BF109G and K armament and variants
Messerschmitt Bf 109 Lineage
Copyright (c) 1994, Doug Girling (girling@cs.sfu.ca)
Dont know if this is of any use for team daidalos,
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Bf 109G (Gustav)
Modelling comments: The 'G incorporated the following changes from the 'F:
* Larger tailwheel (non-retractable, tailwheel well
faired over)
* Larger main wheels with different tread pattern, with
bulged fairing in wing top to accomodate larger main wheels
(G3 onwards except G4)
* Slightly larger supercharger intake scoop.
* Later 'Gs incorporated cowl bulges.
* Canopy side windows have vertical brace in middle of
panel, and the elimination of the lower quarter-lights
(i.e., the small triangular windows below the windscreen).
This is in aid of cabin pressurization.
* Pilot's head armour is bulkier, and more "wrap-around".
This is in aid of cabin pressurization.
* Addition of a pair of small scoops behind propellor hub
on both sides of fuselage for engine direct cooling.
* Late 'G-5 was the first to incorporate "Galland"
canopy, which wasn't standard until the G-14.
* Upper cowling is recontoured to provide a virtually
unbroken curve from spinner to fwd. decking.
* Upper cowling on 'G5 and later incorporated bulges for
the breech of the Mg 131 machine guns.
* Enlarged oil cooler
Standard Modifications
----------------------
The following tables list the various field and factory modifications
applied to the Gustav. Specific type entries incorporating these
modifications have been simplified to save space--consult the base
(sub)type for specifications and tables 3 & 4 for modifications. Other
modifications as noted in the entry.
Table 3. R"=08usts"=08atz (/R) Modifications1 (Bf 109G-1 through Bf 109G-5)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
/R1 Addition of ETC 250 ventral rack for SC 250 bomb (and
2 300 l underwing drop tanks?)
/R2 Addition of ETC 50/VIIId ventral rack for 1 SC 250
bomb or 4 SC 50 bombs
/R3 Addition of (ETC 250?) ventral rack for 300 l drop
tank
/R4 Photo reconnaisance mod. Addition of Rb 50/30
vertical camera aft of cockpit and 2 300 l drop tanks
on wing and deletion of MG 151/20 and GM 1 nitrous
oxide injectant system
/R5 Addition of 2 MK 108 in underwing gondolas
/R6 Addition of 2 MG 151 in underwing gondolas
/R7 Addition of D/F equipment inside aft fuselage behind
cockpit, D/F loop on fuselage top aft of antenna
mast. (D/F loop to facilitate locating the aircraft
in poor weather, poor visibility, or after a crash.
/Trop Sand filter in front of supercharger intake plus
addition of desert survival kit (carbine, food,
water, signal equip., etc.)
Table 4. Umr"=08ust-Baus"=08atze (/U) Modifications2 (Bf 109G series and la=
ter)
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/U2 Wooden tailplane with larger trim tab.
/U3 MW 50 methanol-water injectant.
/U4 Centreline MK 151/20 replaced with MK 108 short
barrelled 30mm cannon.
Bf 109G-0 (12 pre-production--first was Werk-Nr 14001 VJ+WA)
Engine: DB 601E
Radio: FuG 7A
Gunsight: Revi C/12D reflector
Notes: Small engine cooling scoops behind spinner not included
Bf 109G-1
Engine: DB 605A-1 or DB 605B-1
Armament: 2 MG 17 in cowl, 1 MG 151/20 firing through spinner
Radio: FuG 7A
Gunsight: Revi C/12D reflector
Notes: Pressurized cockpit
Provision for GM 1 nitrous oxide boost
Bf 109G-1/R3
(Long range fighter)
=20
Bf 109G-1/R6
(Bomber destroyer)
Bf 109G-1/Trop
Tropicalized G-1 suffered from jamming of the MG 151/20 cannon. To
compensate for the loss of firepower, the MG 17 machine guns were replaced
with MG 131 machine guns c/w the resulting cowl bumps needed to provide
clearance for the breech & ammunition path. The dust filter is of Italian
design. This configuration saw service in the Med., North Africa & South
Russia.
Engine: DB 605A-1
Armament: 2 MG 131 in cowl, 1 MG 151/20 firing through spinner
Radio: FuG 7A
Gunsight: Revi C/12D reflector
Notes: Sand filter in front of supercharger intake
Desert survival kit (carbine, food, water,
signal equip., etc.)
Bf 109G-2
The G-2 series were identical to the G-1 except for the deletion of cockpit
pressurization. Provision for GM 1 nitrous oxide injection retained. See
the Bf 109G-1 for details on the Bf 109G-2.
Engine: DB 605A-1 or DB 605B-1
Armament: 2 MG 17 in cowl, 1 MG 151/20 firing through spinner
Radio: FuG 7A
Gunsight: Revi C/12D reflector
Notes: Provision for GM 1 nitrous oxide boost
=20
Bf 109G-2/R3
(Long range fighter)
Bf 109G-2/R4 ?
(Photo-reconnaissance 'G2)
Bf 109G-2/R6
(Bomber destroyer)
Bf 109G-2/Trop
(Tropicalized G-2)
Bf 109G-3 (Introduced Aug '42)
This variant was the first 'G to introduce the wing bulges for the larger
tires. Otherwise, the only difference between the 'G3 and the 'G1 (or the
'G4 and 'G2) was the substitution of the FuG 16z R/T radio for the FuG 7a.
Engine: DB 605A-1
Armament: 2 MG 17 in cowl, 1 MG 151/20 firing through spinner
Radio: FuG 16ZY
Gunsight: Revi C/12D reflector
Notes: Pressurized cockpit
GM 1 Nitrous oxide injectant boost
Bf 109G-3/R1
(Limited-production fighter-bomber G-3)
Bf 109G-3/R2
(Production fighter-bomber G-3. Never delivered)
Bf 109G-3/R3
(Long range fighter)
Bf 109G-3/R6
(Bomber destroyer)
Bf 109G-3/U2
(First to use wooden tailplane)
Bf 109G-4
The G-4 series were identical to the G-3 except for the deletion of cockpit
pressurization. Provision for GM 1 nitrous oxide injection retained. See
the Bf 109G-3 for details on the Bf 109G-4.
Engine: DB 605A-1
Armament: 2 MG 17 in cowl, 1 MG 151/20 firing through spinner
Radio: FuG 16ZY
Gunsight: Revi C/12D reflector
Notes: Unpressurized cockpit
GM 1 Nitrous oxide injectant boost
Bf 109G-4/R1
(Limited-production fighter-bomber G-4)
Bf 109G-4/R2
(Production fighter-bomber G-4. Never delivered)
Bf 109G-4/R4
(Reconnaissance G-4. Never reached production)
Bf 109G-4/R7
(G-4 with D/F equipment)
Bf 109G-5
The Bf 109G-5 was the first of the Gustavs (excluding the /Trop?) to
introduce the distinctive bulges on the cowling, which were required to
accomodate the breech and ammuntion feed chutes of the MG 131 machine
guns. Those a/c equipped with the DB 605AS have "AS" appended to the type
designation (e.g., Bf 109G-5/R3AS). GM 1 nitrous oxid injection gave way
to dual-stage supercharging.
Engine: DB 605A-1 or DB 605AS
Armament: 2 MG 131 in cowl, 1 MG 151/20 firing through spinner
Radio: FuG 16ZY
Gunsight: Revi C/12D reflector
Notes: Pressurized cockpit
Shorter radio mast
Bf 109G-5/R1 (Authorized, but not produced)
(Fighter bomber)
Bf 109G-5/R2 (Authorized, but not produced)
(Fighter bomber)
Note: Some Bf 109G5/R2 were Bf 109G5s with the Bf
109G-6/R2 mod. (i.e., 2 210mm Wfr.Gr. 21
rocket tubes underwing) retrofitted.
=20
Bf 109G-5/R3
(Long range fighter)
Bf 109G-5/R6
(Bomber destroyer)
Bf 109G-5/R7
(G5 with D/F loop)
Bf 109G-5/Trop
(Tropicalized 'G5)
Bf 109G-5/U2
(Wooden tailplane)
Bf 109G-5/BR21
(G5 with addition of underwing rockets)
Engine: DB 605A-1 or DB 605AS
Armament: 2 MG 131 in cowl, 1 MG 151/20 firing through spinner
1 underwing BR 21 rocket tubes
Radio: FuG 16ZY
Gunsight: Revi C/12D reflector
Notes: Pressurized cockpit
Shorter radio mast
Bf 109G-6 (Unpressurized G-5)
The G-6 series were identical to the G-5 except for the deletion of cockpit
pressurization (this deletion being carried through all subsequent
models). The G6 was also the first "standard" model intended to accept all
the R"=08usts"=08atz kits. See the Bf 109G-5 for details on the Bf
109G-6. NOTE: many of the R"=08usts"=08atz numbers are reassigned in the G-=
6
Engine: DB 605A-1 or DB 605AS
Armament: 2 MG 131 in cowl, 1 MG 151/20 firing through spinner
Radio: FuG 16ZY
Gunsight: Revi C/12D reflector
Notes: Provision for GM 1 nitrous oxide or MW 50
methanol/water injection
Bf 109G-6/R2
Engine: DB 605A-1 or DB 605AS
Armament: 2 MG 131 in cowl, 1 MG 151/20 firing through spinner
2 210mm Wfr.Gr. 21 rocket tubes underwing
Radio: FuG 16ZY
Gunsight: Revi C/12D reflector
Notes: Provision for GM 1 nitrous oxide or MW 50
methanol/water injection
Bf 109G-6/R4
Engine: DB 605A-1 or DB 605AS
Armament: 2 MG 131 in cowl, 1 MG 151/20 firing through spinner
2 MK 108 in underwing gondolas
Radio: FuG 16ZY
Gunsight: Revi C/12D reflector
Notes: Provision for GM 1 nitrous oxide or MW 50
methanol/water injection
Bf 109G-6/R6
Engine: DB 605A-1 or DB 605AS
Armament: 2 MG 131 in cowl, 1 MG 151/20 firing through spinner
2 MG 151/20 in underwing gondolas
Radio: FuG 16ZY
Gunsight: Revi C/12D reflector
Notes: Provision for GM 1 nitrous oxide or MW 50
methanol/water injection
Bf 109G-6/U2
(Wooden tailplane)
Bf 109G-6/U3
(MW 50 injection)
Bf 109G-6/U4
(Heavier nose cannon)
Notes: Fully-retractable tailwheel c/w doors
Bf 109G-6/N
(Night fighter variant which never saw service)
Armament: 2 MG 131 in cowl, 1 MG 151/20 firing through spinner
2 MB 151 in underwing gondolas (Ruestsaetz 6
kit)
Notes: - Exhaust shields & flame dampers
- FuG 350 Naxos Z receiver in transparent
dome aft of cockpit.
- D/F loop relocated to fuselage underside
Bf 109G-7
Proposed "standard" version incorporating the /U2 & /U4
mods. Production difficulties prevented this type from
reaching the assembly lines.
Bf 109G-8
(Photo reconnaissance G-6)
Engine: DB 605A-1 or DB 605AS
Armament: 1 MK 108 or MG 151/20 firing through spinner
Radio: FuG 16ZY
Gunsight: Revi C/12D reflector
Notes: -Rb 12.5/7 or Rb 32/7 camera behind cockpit
in vertical mount
-Gun camera in port wing
Bf 109G-10
Engine: DB 605D
Armament: 2 Mg 131 in cowl, 1 MG 151/20 or MK 108
firing through spinner
Radio: FuG 16ZY
Gunsight: Revi C/16B reflector
Notes: Fully-retractable tailwheel
MW 50 boost system
FuG 25a IFF equipment
Bf 109G-10/U2
(Wooden tailplane)
Bf 109G-10/U4
Notes: Adaptation of U2 wooden tailplane
Redesigned, enlarged (wooden) rudder
Fully-retractable tailwheel c/w doors
Slipper belly tank
Bf 109G-10/R1
(fighter-bomber)
Notes: Ventral rack for 1 SC 250 or 4 SC 50 bombs
Bf 109G-10/R2
(Photo reconnaissance)
Engine: DB 605DB
Armament: 1 MG 151/20 or MK 108 firing through spinner
Radio: FuG 16ZY
Gunsight: Revi C/16B reflector
Notes: Rb 50/30 or Rb 75/30 camera mounted
vertically in bay aft of cockpit.
Fully-retractable tailwheel
MW 50 boost system
FuG 25a IFF equipment
Bf 109G-10/R3
(extended range fighter-bomber)
Bf 109G-10/R5
(bomber interceptor)
Bf 109G-10/R6
(bomber interceptor)
Bf 109G-12
2-seat trainer adapted from 'G-5 and 'G-6. First Bf 109G-0 (Werk-nr 12001
VJ+WA) converted as a mockup of the elongated canopy. This was followed by
aconverted Bf 109G-5 (CJ+MG) as the prototype 2 seater.
Bf 109G-12/R3
(G-12 with 300 l drop tank)
Bf 109G-14
Engine: DB 605AS or DB 605AM
Armament: 2 Mg 131 in cowl, 1 MG 151/20 firing through spinner
2 MG 151 in underwing gondolas (std. on all G-
14 variants)
Radio: FuG 16ZY
Gunsight: Revi C/16B reflector
Notes: "Galland" hood standardized
R1/R3 (ventral bomb/drop tank rack) kit added
at factory
R6 (2 MG 151/20 in underwing gondolas) kit
added at factory
Bf 109G-14/U4
(wooden tailplane)
Bf 109G-14/U6
Armament: 2 Mg 131 in cowl, 1 long-barreled MK 103 30mm
cannon firing through spinner
Bf 109G-16
The G-16 was a G-14 with the engine reverting back to the DB 605D
Engine: DB 605D
Armament: 2 Mg 131 in cowl, 1 MG 151/20 cannon firing
through spinner
Radio: FuG 16ZY
Gunsight: Revi C/16B reflector
Notes: "Galland" hood standardized
R1 (ventral bomb/drop tank rack) kit added at
factory
R6 (2 MG 151/20 in underwing gondolas) kit
added at factory
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Bf 109K (Kurfurst)
The Bf 109K series attempted to standardize the successful variations of
the Bf 109G line and reduce the proliferation of subtypes. The Bf 109K was
based on the Bf 109G-10 with the adoption of the following standardizations
and aerodynamic refinements:
* Raised cowling line just forward of cockpit
* "Galland" hood
* Enlarged tail assembly
* Fully-retractable tailwheel
* Longer tailwheel strut for improved ground visibility
* Forward-swept whip antenna under port wing
Bf 109K-0
Engine: DB 605DB
Armament: 2 MG 151/15 semi-enclosed in cowl, 1 MK 108
firing through spinner
Radio: FuG 16ZY with short mast & whip antenna under
port wing.
FuG 25a IFF equipment.
D/F loop behind cockpit
Gunsight: Revi C/16B reflector
Notes: GM 1 injectant boost system.
Bf 109K-2
Engine: DB 605ASCM or DB 605DCM with GM 1
Armament: 2 Mg 151/15 semi-enclosed in cowl, 1 MK 108
(later MK 103) firing through spinner
Radio: FuG 16ZY with short mast & whip antenna under
port wing.
FuG 25a IFF equipment.
D/F loop behind cockpit
Gunsight: Revi C/16B reflector
Bf 109K-2/R1
(Fighter-bomber)
Bf 109K-2/R2
(Fighter-bomber)
Bf 109K-2/R3
(Long-range fighter)
Bf 109K-4
The Bf 109K-4 differed from the Bf 109K-2 only in having provision for
cabin pressurization.
Engine: DB 605ASCM or DB 605DCM with GM 1
Armament: 2 Mg 151/15 semi-enclosed in cowl, 1 MK 108
(later MK 103) firing through spinner
Radio: FuG 16ZY with short mast & whip antenna under
port wing.
FuG 25a IFF equipment.
D/F loop behind cockpit
Gunsight: Revi C/16B reflector
Notes: GM 1 injectant boost system.
Pressurized cockpit.
Bf 109K-4/R1
(Fighter-bomber)
Bf 109K-4/R2
(Fighter-bomber)
Bf 109K-4/R3
(Long-range fighter)
Bf 109K-6 (high altitude interceptor)
Engine: DB 605ASCM or DB 605DCM with GM 1
Armament: 2 Mg 131 enclosed in cowl, 1 MK 108 (later MK
103) firing through spinner
2 MK 103 in underwing gondolas
Radio: FuG 16ZY with short mast & whip antenna under
port wing.
FuG 25a IFF equipment.
D/F loop behind cockpit
Gunsight: Revi C/16B reflector
Notes: GM 1 nitrous oxide injection.
Pressurized cockpit.
BSK 16 gun camera inboard of port wing
cannon.
Bf 109K-6/R3 (rare)
(long-range fighter)
Bf 109K-6/R6 (rare)
Notes: 2 MK 108 in underwing gondolas.
Bf 109K-8 (high-altitude photo reconnaissance variant of K6)
Engine: DB 605ASC or DB 605DC
Armament: 1 MG 151/20 or MK 103 or MK 108 firing
through spinner, 2 MK 108 in wing
Radio: FuG 16ZY with short mast & whip antenna under
port wing.
FuG 25a IFF equipment.
D/F loop behind cockpit
Gunsight: Revi C/16B reflector
Notes: GM 1 injectant boost system.
Pressurized cockpit.
BSK 16 gun camera inboard of port wing
cannon.
Rb 50/30 camera in aft fuselage.
Bf 109K-10
Engine: DB 601D
Armament: 2 Mg 131 in cowl, 1 MK 103 firing through spinner
Radio: FuG 16ZY with short mast & whip antenna under
port wing.
FuG 25a IFF equipment.
D/F loop behind cockpit
Gunsight: Revi C/16B reflector
Notes: GM 1 injectant boost system
Pressurized cockpit
Bf 109K-10/R3
(Long-range fighter)
Bf 109K-10/R4
(2 300l drop tanks underwing)
Bf 109K-10/R5
(Bomber-destroyer)
Bf 109K-14
The K-14 saw service only in the last 2 weeks of WWII.
Engine: DB 601L
Armament: 2 Mg 131 in cowl, 1 MK 103 or MK 108 firing
through spinner
Radio: FuG 16ZY with short antenna mast & whip
antenna under port wing.
FuG 25a IFF equipment.
D/F loop behind cockpit
Gunsight: Revi C/16B reflector
Notes: MW 50 boost system.
Pressurized cockpit.
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References
Green, William. "The Warplanes of the Third Reich".
Doubleday, 1972. 672pp.
Grinsell, Robert (illustrations by Watanabe, Rikyu).
"Messerschmitt Bf109". Janes Publishing Company, 1980
Smith, Richard J. "Messerschmitt an Aircraft Album No.2".
Arco publishing
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Notes:
1 Field converstion sets bolt-on modifications for specific
mission capabilities, which could be added at the factory or
in the field.
2 Factory-installed modifications intended to increase
performance or utilize non-strategic materials.
Author: Doug Girling (girling@cs.sfu.ca)
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