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Bf 109 G6

History

The Bf 109 G-series was developed from the largely identical F-series airframe, although there were detail differences. Modifications included a reinforced wing structure, an internal bullet-proof windscreen, the use of heavier, welded framing for the cockpit transparencies, and additional light-alloy armour for the fuel tank. It was originally intended that the wheel wells would incorporate small doors to cover the outer portion of the wheels when retracted. To incorporate these the outer wheel bays were squared off. Two small inlet scoops for additional cooling of the spark plugs were added on both sides of the forward engine cowlings. A less obvious difference was the omission of the boundary layer bypass outlets, which had been a feature of the F-series, on the upper radiator flaps.

The newly fitted Daimler-Benz DB 605A engine was a development of the DB 601E engine utilised by the preceding Bf 109 F-4; displacement and compression ratio were increased as well as other detail improvements to ease large-scale mass production. Takeoff and emergency power of 1,475 PS (1,455 hp, 1,085 kW) was achieved with 1.42 atm (42.5 inches/6.17 lbs) of boost at 2,800 rpm. The DB 605 suffered from reliability problems during the first year of operation, and this output was initially banned by VT-Anw.Nr.2206, forcing Luftwaffe units to limit maximum power output to 1,310 PS (1,292 hp, 964 kW) at 2,600 rpm and 1.3 atm manifold pressure (38.9 inches/4.4 lbs). The full output was not reinstated until 8 June 1943 when Daimler-Benz issued a technical directive. Up to 1944, the G-series was powered by the 1,475 PS Daimler-Benz DB 605 driving a three-blade VDM 9-12087A variable-pitch propeller with a diameter of 3 m (9.8 ft) with even broader blades than used on the F-series. Pitch control, as on the 109F, was either electro-mechanical (automatic) or manual-electric using a thumb-switch on the throttle lever. From 1944 a new high-altitude propeller with broader blades was introduced, designated VDM 9-12159, and was fitted to high-altitude variants with the DB 605AS or D-series engines.

This history adapted from Wikipedia.

The AWM's 109

“The exhibited BF109G-6 was built in the Messerschmitt factory at Regensburg, Germany. It is believed to have been assembled in late May 1944 and, after a period of service, to have been re-built by a sub-contractor in the following December. This work involved the replacement of one wing, the rear fuselage, engine cowls and come smaller parts. It is likely the aircraft saw combat since it retains some evidence of battle damage, including a bullet hole behind the cockpit. In May 1945 the aircraft was found by the British at the Luftwaffe airfield at Eggebeck near Germanys northern border with Denmark. It was recovered for the RAF, and in 1946 came to Australia for historical preservation. “

“This example, a BF109G-6, bears evidence of having been in combat. The colour scheme is original. This is the last example in the world still displaying its wartime paintwork; a 1945 day-fighter scheme with variations because of repairs and replacements.

Unfortunately the display geometry and lighting prevented photos of the starboard side from turning out.