Messerschmitt Bf 109E
Messerschmitt · Germany · first flew 1938 · fighter
The 'Emil' was the Bf 109 variant that fought over Britain in 1940, immediately recognised by its squared wing tips and the paired under-wing radiators absent from all subsequent marks.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Inverted-gull nose line is shallower; the engine cowl humps (two MG 17 breeches) are visible as longitudinal ridges atop the forward fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Squared-off, straight-cut wing tips — the 'Emil' lacks the rounded tips introduced on the Bf 109F and retained throughout later marks
- Two prominent underwing radiator blocks below each wing root, one per side, versus the F/G single chin radiator
- Inverted-gull nose line is shallower; the engine cowl humps (two MG 17 breeches) are visible as longitudinal ridges atop the forward fuselage
Square wing tips and twin underwing radiators uniquely identify the Emil. The F and G have rounded tips and a shallow underwing coolant radiators (the chin bath on later marks is the oil cooler).
Specifications
- The Messerschmitt Bf 109E has a length of 8.76 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.87 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 570 km/h (354 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Combat-proven in Spain, the E-series was the Luftwaffe's primary fighter from 1939 through 1941, fighting over Poland, France and Britain. Its DB 601 engine with direct fuel injection gave it an advantage over the Merlin in negative-g manoeuvres.
Variants
E-1 (MG 17s only), E-3 (cannon through propeller hub), E-4 (MG FF/M wing cannon), E-7 (drop-tank provision). The E-4 is the most common restored/replica variant.
Where you'll see it
Genuine Emils survive at the RAF Museum and IWM Duxford (static); airworthy Buchón lookalikes stand in for them on the airshow circuit.
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