The Messerschmitt Bf 109, often referred to as the Me 109, was a German World War II fighter aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt. The "E" variant, specifically the Messerschmitt Bf 109E, was a significant model used by the Luftwaffe during the early stages of the war, including the Battle of Britain.Key features and details about the Messerschmitt Bf 109E:1. **Introduction:** The Bf 109E was introduced in 1938 and played a crucial role in the early air campaigns of World War II, including the Spanish Civil War and the Battle of Britain.2. **Design:** The Bf 109E was a single-seat, single-engine monoplane with a low-wing design. It featured a closed cockpit, retractable landing gear, and a streamlined fuselage.3. **Engine:** The Bf 109E was powered by a liquid-cooled, inverted V-12 engine. The early models were equipped with the Jumo 210 engine, while later versions used the more powerful Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine.4. **Armament:** The aircraft was armed with a combination of machine guns and cannon armament. The exact configuration varied, but typical armament included two 7.92mm MG 17 machine guns above the engine and a 20mm MG FF cannon firing through the propeller hub.5. **Performance:** The Bf 109E had excellent speed and climb rate, making it a formidable adversary in dogfights. Its design allowed for a high level of maneuverability.6. **Battle of Britain:** The Bf 109E played a critical role in the Battle of Britain (1940), where it faced off against the Royal Air Force's (RAF) Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire. It was during this battle that the Bf 109E faced challenges, particularly in terms of its limited range.7. **Range Issues:** The Bf 109E had a relatively short operational range, which became a disadvantage during prolonged dogfights over the English Channel. Pilots often had to disengage to return to base due to fuel limitations.8. **Variants:** The Bf 109 had numerous variants throughout its production life, each with improvements and modifications. The "F" variant, Bf 109F, introduced improvements to address some of the issues identified in the earlier models.9. **Export:** The Bf 109E was exported to several Axis and neutral countries during the war, including Italy, Hungary, Romania, and Switzerland.10. **Legacy:** The Messerschmitt Bf 109 series is one of the most produced and recognizable fighter aircraft in history. It served on various fronts and with different air forces during and after World War II.The Messerschmitt Bf 109, including the Bf 109E variant, played a crucial role in the early stages of World War II. Its legacy extends beyond the war, as it became a symbol of German aviation during the conflict and remains an important historical artifact in the study of aviation history.
Measures 16.5 x 16.5 inches.
Wooden.
1/24 Scale.

Good condition. No major rips, tears, etc.