Numerically the most abundant fighter produced by either side during WWII, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 formed the backbone of the Jagdwaffe on both the eastern and western fronts, as well as in the Mediterranean and North Africa. Of the eight distinct sub-types within the huge Bf 109 family, the most populous was the G-model, of which over 30,000 were built between 1941-45. Despite its production run, only a handful of genuine German Bf 109s have survived into the 1990s, and with the serious damaging of the RAFs G-2 at Duxford in October 1997, only the German-based MBB G-6 and Hans Ditte's G-10 (both composites) are currently airworthy.

Compared to the earlier Bf 109 E, the Bf 109 F was much improved aerodynamically. The engine cowling was redesigned to be smoother and more rounded. The enlarged propeller spinner, adapted from that of the new Messerschmitt Me 210, blended smoothly into the new cowling. Underneath the cowling was a revised, more streamlined oil cooler radiator and fairing. A new ejector exhaust arrangement was incorporated, and on later aircraft a metal shield was fitted over the left hand banks to deflect exhaust fumes away from the supercharger air-intake. The supercharger air-intake was, from the F-1 -series onwards, a rounded, "elbow"-shaped design that protruded further out into the airstream. A new three-blade, light-alloy VDM propeller with a reduced diameter of 3 m (9 ft 10 in) was used. Propeller pitch was changed electrically, and was regulated by a constant-speed unit, with a manual override. Thanks to the improved aerodynamics, more fuel-efficient engines and the introduction of light-alloy versions of the standard Luftwaffe 300 L (66 imp gal; 79 US gal) drop tank, the Bf 109 F offered a much increased maximum range of 1,700 km (1,100 mi) compared to the Bf 109 E's maximum range figure of 660 km (410 mi) on internal fuel and with the E-7 with a 300 L (66 imp gal; 79 US gal) drop tank, double the range, to 1,325 km (823 mi).

Pictured here is a 1:48 scale replica of a German Messerschmitt Bf 109F-4 "Friedrich" fighter that was flown by Hans-Joachim Marseilles, who was attached to 3/Jagdgeschwader 27 "Afrika", then deployed to Egypt during September 1942. Item en route to us!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 8-inches
Length: 7-1/2-inches

Release Date: March 2026

Historical Account: "The Star of Africa" - Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4 W,Nr.3579 'White 14' is thought to have been the aircraft in which Marseille scored his first aerial victory - an RAF Spitfire. Although he was able to shoot down the British fighter, 'White 14' sustained damage during the dogfight - Marseille was able to nurse the fighter back to Calais-Marck airfield, where he made a successful crash landing. Initially thought to be beyond repair, the Messerschmitt was later sent back to Germany for rebuild and upgrade, before going on to serve for a further two years with a number of Luftwaffe pilots on the Eastern Front. In August 1942, the aircraft was shot down by a pair of Soviet Air Force Hurricanes, crashing on marshland in the vast, unforgiving landscape of rural Russia.

Remarkably, the wreckage of the aircraft was discovered in the early 1990s and salvaged for a US Warbird collector. Following an extensive period of restoration in the UK, this genuine combat veteran Bf 109 made its first post restoration flight in California in September 1999, in the hands of experienced Warbird pilot Charlie Brown. Finished in the famous 'White 14' scheme worn by the aircraft as flown by Hans Joachim Marseille during the Battle of Britain, this historic fighter is one of only two genuine Daimler-Benz powered airworthy Bf 109Es in the world. After spending many years on the North American Airshow circuit, 'White 14' currently resides with the aircraft collection at the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar - UK enthusiasts will definitely be hoping to see this rare and historic aircraft flying in 2017.