Field conversion of Bf 109 F-4 to G-2 or just change of the cowling?

[Csaba B. Stenge]

Gents,

There is a number of photos from the first part of 1943, which shows old Hungarian F-4's with the engine cowling of the G-2 (with the small inlets for additional cooling of the spark plugs) It would suggest a conversion to the DB 605A engines, so technically a conversion from F-4 to G-2. Unfortunately, I was not able to find detailed technical materials from that period, however I have a number of logbooks from this period and these individual logbooks still call these Bf 109s as F-4s, so according to them there was no engine conversion.

Did Luftwaffe field workshops (or back the factories) use DB 605 engines for such F-4/G-2 conversions in a significant number? Did they use also G-2 engine cowlings on F-4s without changing the engine?

Thanks,

[taitbb]

I can't speak to the Hungarian F4's, but there are clear pictures of JG5 F's having the cooling scoops added to the F cowling's as field modifications (during the same time frame). The engines were not upgraded, just the cooling scoops added.

I suspect this is what you are seeing. I wonder if this was a recommended modification and it is more widespread than thought.

[ouidjat]

Csaba,

You wrote "with the small inlets for additional cooling of the spark plugs" .. this is actually the reason they modified the F cowlings on field.
Andreas Brekken already explain it in his "Luftwaffe in the Far North.
You can find the same on many Erg.JG, schools and other JGr. using "old" F models.
Engine was the DB 601 (E or N since some F-2 got the modifiction too).
The reason for that .. Spark problems.

BR, Franck.

[Csaba B. Stenge]

Thank you guys.