AC12225 Messerschmitt Bf109T-2

LIMITED EDITION

Since 1937, developed for service on the sole German aircraft carrier - the Graf Zeppelin. Version f had its origin in Messerschmitt Bf 109 E. In order to shorten the start and landing the span of the wing was extended from 9.87 m to 11 08m, this being the most characteristic feature of this version. The wing wasn't projected folding. The aeroplane was driven by the Daimler Benz 601 N engine, which was currently built into the Bf 109 E-7, from which the Bf 109 T manufactured in series production originated The engines mounted into the Bf 109 T had however a modified bonnet of the air inlet into the compressor. Version Bf 109 T-1 was destined for service on an aircraft carrier (this never occurred For this purpose it was fitted out with hooks for catching the rope of the catapult and tailhook Version T-2 was destined for operations from land bases. The outfit from T-1 was not used with this version. Since 1943 the Messerschmitt Bf 109 T-2 was fitted with the GM-1 powerboost system. In total 70 pieces of Messerschmitt Bf 109 T built in series were manufactured. Bf 109 T machines were for the first time engaged in combat in the frame of the I./JG 77 and Jagdgruppe Drontheim units in Norway during 1941 Just to these aeroplanes fell victims the first Boeings B-17 (RAF) shot down over Europe. Bf 109 T machines were used with number of units (mostly training ones), but the most interesting from these was the combat Jagdstaffel Helgoland (later 11./JG 11) operating from the North- German island Helgoland Due The length of its two landing runways didn't even reach 800 meters Most successful fighter piloting the Bf 109 T was Erich Hondt, who claimed four of his fourteen victories while flying the Bf 109 T

• Bf109T-2, Luftwaffe - Oblt.Herbert Christmann, JG 11, Norway, winter 1944.
• Bf109T, Luftwaffe - NJG 101, Manching, Germany, spring 1943.