Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun
Messerschmitt · Germany · first flew 1934 · light aircraft
The Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun (Typhoon) was a four-seat touring and training monoplane of 1934 that became one of the most advanced light aircraft of its era, featuring retractable undercarriage, full-span leading-edge slats, and an enclosed cabin — features shared with the subsequent Bf 109 fighter.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.29 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Elegant 1930s German low-wing touring monoplane
- Enclosed four-seat cabin with retractable undercarriage
- Direct Bf 109 predecessor with full-span leading edge slats
A sleek low-wing monoplane with a fully enclosed four-seat cabin, retractable undercarriage, and the distinctive Messerschmitt rounded wingtip shape; the slender fuselage and clean nose line closely prefigure the Bf 109 fighter.
Specifications
- The Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun has a length of 8.29 m (27 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.5 m (34 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 305 km/h (190 mph).
- Typical crew: 1+3 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Willy Messerschmitt for the 1934 Challenge de Tourisme Internationale, the Bf 108 demonstrated outstanding performance and handling. It won several races and proved so successful that it was adopted as a liaison and communications aircraft by the Luftwaffe. After World War II it was licence-built in France by Nord Aviation as the Nord 1000 Pingouin and Nord 1002, continuing in production well into the 1950s.
Variants
The Bf 108A was the original version; the Bf 108B was the main production variant with an Argus As 10 engine; postwar Nord-built versions were designated Nord 1000/1001/1002.
Where you'll see it
Widely used by the Luftwaffe as a liaison and training aircraft; postwar French-built versions served with the Armée de l'Air and were popular with private operators across Europe.
Related aircraft
- Messerschmitt Bf 109
- Messerschmitt M 35
- Messerschmitt Bf 110
- Messerschmitt Bf 109 D
- Aichi E10A
- Avia B.122
- Avro 671 Rota
- Blohm & Voss Ha 135
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