Erich Hartmann and Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4

[kennethklee]

I saw a Hasegawa model kit for a Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4 in the purported markings of Erich Hartmann. Based on the historical references I have read to date, I recall Hartmann never flew a Bf 109K-4 operationally, only the Bf 109G-series (plus a Junkers Ju 87 that he attempted to ferry to the Eastern front with a near-disastrous outcome that became comical with time). Am I recalling the literature in error?

Thanks,
Kenneth

[Micke D]

From what I have read, I think you are correct.
Some argue that Hartmann as an Expert would have flown the latest planes but from what I have read his latest plane was a Bf 109G-10.
I’m not sure that anyone had their own plane in spring 1945; I guess that they flew what ever plane they could.

[yogybär]

Originally Posted by kennethklee

[..]a Junkers Ju 87 that he attempted to ferry to the Eastern front with a near-disastrous outcome that became comical with time). [...]

Can you shed some light on this episode, please?

Reg. 109: Right, his last Me was a 109G-10.

[kennethklee]

Originally Posted by yogybär

Can you shed some light on this episode, please?

Reg. 109: Right, his last Me was a 109G-10.

According to Toliver and Constable's The Blond Knight of Germany, after he completed his officer and flight training, Erich Hartmann asked to fly himself to his assigned unit, preferably a Bf-109 that needed to be ferried to his unit. No Bf 109's were immediately scheduled to be shipped out to his area, but the local air commandant (forgot exactly where this was) told him some Junkers Ju 87's was needed near his destination and he could fly one. Despite Hartmann's lack of familiarity with the Ju 87, he agreed. As he lined up and taxied out, the Ju 87 lost controllability (not sure if the plane or Hartmann was to blame) and Hartmann taxied the Ju 87 into a flight controller's hut, creating confetti of the hut's documents. I understand Hartmann received a tongue-lashing from the commandant, but at least no one suffered physical injury. The situation was enhanced when a fellow newly-graduated cadet turned back and landed another Ju 87 with a misfiring and smoking engine. Hartmann and his fellow new pilot went to the front in a Junkers Ju 52 flown by another pilot.

I know the source is considered somewhat suspect by some, but, although I forget the immediate reference, I recall reading an interview with Hartmann conducted by another writer that confirmed the essentials of the incident above.

[yogybär]

Thanks for the story!

Originally Posted by kennethklee

[...]the Ju 87 lost controllability (not sure if the plane or Hartmann was to blame) and Hartmann taxied the Ju 87 into a flight controller's hut, [...]

Well, I think everyone can make his mind on wether it was the man or the machine .

[kennethklee]

http://books.google.com/books?id=4Lr...esult#PPA32,M1

I found this Google preview of The Blond Knight of Germany and pointed it roughly to the pages that describe Hartmann's inauspicious Ju 87 experience. If the URL does not take you directly there, scroll down or up 1-2 pages and you should see it. Have fun!

Kenneth

[tango35]

Hartmann never flew the K-4 ( or where are the evidences ?? like a flying book ), but he flew the G-10 type and both types came nearly same time from the factories to the troops and they looked nearly the same, so that could be the reason for the myth of the K-4 flying.
I dont think that an very very experienced pilot would choose an aircraft with so many technical failures for an airbattle where he has to concentrate on the enemy and not on his aircraft. He has to trust in his aircraft, and the K-4 wasnt an aircraft a pilot could trust.