The Messerschmitt Bf 109T[N 1] was a development of the Messerschmitt Bf 109E intended to meet a requirement for a fighter capable of operating from Germany's proposed Graf Zeppelin class aircraft carriers.
History[]
Development[]
Due to their experience with short take off and landing aircraft, the Fieseler Werke were given responsibility of developing a carrier-borne fighter for the Kriegsmarine.[1] A number of converted Bf 109E-1s were used to test potential carrier equipment. These fighters were given arrestor hooks and catapult spools to make them compatible with aircraft carries. Their wingspans were also lengthened by about 2 meters.[2] The tests proved successful, especially the catapult tests, and the project went into production.[3]
Fieseler produced 7 production examples during 1940. Designated Bf 109T-1, these had the original DB601A engine supplanted by the DB 601N, which further improved their short takeoff ability.[4] Many of the production models were converted from the cannon-armed E-3s.[2] After the first 7 were completed, however, the aircraft carrier was cancelled. These aircraft, and the 63 produced following the first batch, were subsequently re designated Bf 109T-2s following the removal of all carrier associated equipment.[1][3]
Operational Service[]
When the Graf Zeppelin project was cancelled, the Bf 109Ts were used instead as reserve ground-based fighters. In early 1941, fifty T-1s were delivered toI./JG 77 at Drontheim in Norway, where their ability to takeoff on short runways would prove useful.[2] Shortly afterward, the unit was redignated IV./JG 51, with the aircraft transferred to Einsatz-Staffel Drontheim, and presumably de-navalised, becoming T-2s.[4]
Variants[]
- Bf 109T-1: The original variant, a navalized Bf 109E with assorted carrier equipment. 7 produced.
- Bf 109T-2: A variant with the carrier equipment removed, used in Norway as a second-line fighter. 63 produced.
Notes[]
Sources[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. Complete Book of Fighters. Salamander Books. 2001. ISBN 1-84065-269-1 Page 376
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_bf_109E.html#variants
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Green, William. Messerschmitt Bf 109: The Augsburg Eagle; A Documentary History. London: Macdonald and Jane's Publishing Group Ltd., 1980.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Kay, Antony L and J R Smith. German Aircraft of the Second World War. Putnam Aeronautical Books. 2002. ISBN 0 85177 920 4 Page 233