World War II Database

1. Bill says:
9 Feb 2016 07:31:50 PM

EMIL TEST FLIGHT:

In flight photograph of Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3 W.Nr. 1953. Note aircraft does not have any Gesdchwader, Gruppe or Straffel markings assigned to it, except the Stammkennzeichen (Factory Code CE+BM) before delivery to the Luftwaffe.

ARMAMENT:

This version was armed with 2 x 7.92mm machine guns, 2 x 20mm cannons. Aircraft was also fitted with 1 x 20mm cannon firing through the propeller hub, however due to firing vibrations, it was removed. During its production run, the BF 109E would have a revised cockpit canopy w/heavier framing and a curved armor plate over the pilots head, on the sides and on the cockpit floor.

2.  Bill says:
10 Feb 2016 07:30:26 PM

PRE-FLIGHT DELIVERY TO THE LUFTWAFFE

Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3 W.Nr.1950 could be on a test flight before delivery to Luftwaffe. Aircraft carries no Geschwader, Gruppe or Staffel markings, only the factory code CE+BM. This early model has standard canopy later models had a revised cockpit canopy of much heaver framework and armor plate behind the pilot on the sides and on the floor.

ARMAMENT: GUNS & AMMO

The Bf 109E-3 was armed with 2 x7.92mm machine guns w/1,000 rpg , 2 x 20mm cannons w/60 rpg in drum magazines. An added 15mm or 20mm cannon was fitted to fire through the propeller hub.
Due to vibration when fired, overheating and jamming it was removed. The two 7.92mm machine guns had 55 seconds of firing time that's 37 rounds per second, the 20mm cannons had 7 seconds of firing time or 17 rounds per second. Production of Bf 109E-3 was 1,276 including 83 for export.

3.  Bill says:
31 Oct 2016 06:25:03 PM

MESSERSCHMITT'S SEA WINGS:

Like the naval version of the Junkers Ju 87 Tr(C) Messerschmitt modified the Bf 109 T for naval service.
Wing span was longer, arrester gear was fitted, inflatable bags to keep the fighter afloat in case of ditching at sea and a one-man life raft, w/rations and signal flares.
Armed like its land-based brother with 2 x 7.92mm machine guns in the upper fuselage over the engine, and 2 x 20mm cannons in the wings.

Messerschmitt modified a number of aircraft for carried duties. When the carrier Graf Zeppelin was cancelled the fighters were assigned as second-line fighters based in Norway.