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Messerschmitt Bf109E-7
When Isaw this picture of a 109E, I immediately thought it was a 109E-7. The description below the photo indicated that it was a Bf109E-4/N of 1./JG 27 [Reference: German Aircraft of the Second World War, Smith & Kay, 1972, p.476]
Based on various reference books, I was under the impression the only difference between an E-4 and an E-7 was the drop tank which in this case can be clearly seen in the photograph. In fact, the Smith& Kay book mentioned this very distinction just above the photograph. Is it possible that the aircraft in the photograph was modified with an external tank in the field and thereby kept it's E-4 designation?....or am I missing something? |
Re: Messerschmitt Bf109E-7
It's an E-7 (E-4/B with droptank support) w/o a DB601N, possibly an /U3 given the strange bulge underneath.
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Re: Messerschmitt Bf109E-7
According to the photograph caption, the bulge below the "White 12" designation is a camera pod. So maye this aircraft is actually E-9:) .
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Re: Messerschmitt Bf109E-7
Yes the E-7/U3 used two Rb12.5/7x9 but the E-9 used the Rb50/30 in a similar fashion as the later F/G recce a/c i.e w/o such a bulge.
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Re: Messerschmitt Bf109E-7
Oliver:
Other sources say the bulge below the fuselage is for the Pfeil 7 navigation system. John |
Re: Messerschmitt Bf109E-7
Hi,
I go with the E-7/U3 theory, or a very similar local mod. E-9's carried the RB 50/30 , which as I understand it, If fitted as per the photo, it would be impossible to change the camera cassette. The RB 50 /30 had to fit between frame 2 & 3 , and the cassette removed/ fitted via the cockpit over the pilots seat/headrest area. If I am wrong can any experts please correct me as I have a great interest in this installation on E-7's, especially Wn4970. Cheers Jerry P.S. I type to slow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! .................. |
Re: Messerschmitt Bf109E-7
Were field modifications done to E-4 versions regarding the additon of an external drop tank or was this modification left solely to the factories?
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Re: Messerschmitt Bf109E-7
Gentlemen This bulge under the fuselage is a cover of antenna for Peil (Peil from "peilen" not Pfeil) G IV for a FuG VIIa radio set. It's something similar in destination like later used ZVG 16 direction finder device for FuG 16Z radio (with it's PR 16 loop antenna). Rarely seen on Emils (I recollect three or four machines with that) it was rather used on Stukas. That mount for a 300 l. tank was different than ETC 500 (and other bomb racks) used on Emils "B". Bf 109 E-4/B could not carry the tank when with ETC 500/IXb. If I could make a guess - it's rather E-7 or E-4 rebuilt to E-7 standard keepin' it's original W.Nr. I'm interested more in technical aspects of o'nine and maybe I'am wrong with unit's equipment, but I remember information, that I./JG 27 was equipped with E-4/N in majority. So - here comes the riddle - was it E-4/N's or E-4's updated with tank instalation but retained their Werknummern? Or just one of a few E-7 is photographed? I'm preety confused too. |
Re: Messerschmitt Bf109E-7
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Re: Messerschmitt Bf109E-7
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Re: Messerschmitt Bf109E-7
According to Mtt's "Verwendungsmöglichkeit des Jagdflugzeuges BF 109 E" of July 1940, the 109E-7 was designated as a "fighter, as well as dive bomber, with extended range." It could be fitted either with the bomb fairing for the 250/500 kg bomb, or four 50kg bombs; or with a 300ltr drop tank with a supplementary oil tank. (I think that the idea behind this a/c was to permit the carrying of either bombs or extra fuel, which I don't believe was possible for earlier models of the 109E.)
The report indicated that the loss of speed with the 500kg bomb was ca. 30km/h, and without ca. 7 km/h. And, with the drop tank caused a speed loss of ca. 12 km/h; without, 4 km/h (I would assume these values to be calculated). And, from another report, it was noted that the a/c carried MG FF "M" wing guns. |
Re: Messerschmitt Bf109E-7
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Many thanks for the reply , I didn't know the information about the smaller tank, most interesting. Cheers Jerry |
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