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Old 31st January 2005, 18:28
Kjetil Aakra Kjetil Aakra is offline
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Kjetil Aakra
Bf 109T or not

Actually, Ruy, I have looked at the wings! Should have posted this before, but I didn't have time before.

Here's a more detailed study.

Yes, judging by the photo you posted it would seem that this is a Bf 109T. However, several things don't fit.

First of all, one of the small differences between the Bf 109T and E was the placement of the aileron trim tabs. In the Toni there were in a mid-position, like this:



This is clearly seen on this photo:



Furthermore, the Bf 109T had spoilers, which were always deactived on operational machines. However, on at least some mahcines they were clearly visible:



Furthermore, the Bf 109T had a circular hatch for the patin compass in the same location that the Bf 109F and subsequent versions did. No Bfr 109E airframe had this. See this drawing ((C) Arild Kjaeraas):



Now, lets take a look at the Bf 109 in question.



I believe that the trim tab is in the innermost position as on the Bf 109E, furthermore, there's no sign of the circular hatch. There's no sign of a spoiler either, on any of the photos of this machine. Therefore I do not think that this is a Bf 109T.

A few other clues point in this direction; the exhaust area is not black as on the Bf 109T (including the forward shroud). This was normally retained on the Bf 109T, even after the extensive refitting carried out on the type in 1942-43. There are many photos from late 1943/1944 that prove this.

Also, most Bf 109Ts had a white N on the cowling (signifying the engine type) after 1943.

So, all in all, I am not at all convinced that this is a Toni. In frontal views like the one posted by Ruy many Bf 109Es may appear to have extended wings. I have believed this on many occations myself, but always been disappointed (I'd love to find new Bf 109T photos!) when checking the features outlined above.

Lastly, from below, the Bf 109T should have three ventral aileron covers, like this (drawing (C) Kjetil Aakra);



The Bf 109E only has two, but in many cases it may appear that it has three as it is difficult to see them. I cannot see three on the photo you posted, Ruy.

So by all means, I could be wrong, but identifying a Bf 109T requires more than a look at seemingly extended wings. Perspective considerations, photo distortions, angles, etc, can all be confusing.

Don't know what the device is, though!

Regards,

Kjetil
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