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Germany's Messerschmitt Bf. 109 F Fighter^1,2,3

Messerschmitt Bf 109 F fighter:	Messerschmitt Bf 109 F fighter:	Messerschmitt Bf 109 F fighter:	Messerschmitt Bf 109 F fighter:
Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-4 fighter in North Africa, possibly Marseilles':

Improved Design

Was intended to take advantage of the extra power of the Daimler-Benz DB 601N and 601E engines with the added benefit of aerodynamic improvements.² These included smoother engine cowl with an enlarged spinner, rounded wing tips, reduced rudder, and a tailwheel that retracted.² The ailerons and flaps were also improved.²

In July 1940 a modified Bf 109 E with the improvements flew for the first time.² Later in 1940 ten evaluation planes designed Bf 109 F-0s flew.²

Variants

• Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-5, Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-6: Had cameras and were tactical reconnaissance fighters.² The F-6 had no armament.²
• Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-2/Trop, Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-4/Trop: Were versions that were modified to fight in a tropical environment.²
• Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-2/Z, Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-4/Z: Had GM1 nitrous oxide boosts.²
• Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-4/R1: Was a field modification that had two 20 mm cannons in gondolas under the wings.²

Usage

The first Bf 109 F entered service in January 1941.² The F-2 followed, and then the F-3 entered service in 1942.²

Around 2/3s of the fighter strength that was used in the invasion of Russia was Bf 109 Fs.² These were also used in North Africa.²

Used in Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and Spain.²

Sources:

1. The Illustrated Directory of Fighting Aircraft of World War II, Bill Gunston, 1998
2. Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
3. World War II Airplanes Volume 1, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976