Me109G-10 Dual Production Plates

[veltro]

If I may add something, in case the "Rita" which has been quoted so far is the same appearing on top of page 157 of the Prien-Rodeike book "Messerschmitt Bf 109 F, G & K series" (an absolute must and a classic, but still incorporating some errors...), the W.Nr. printed may be mis-typed, and it could be "460 642", since it is a clear example of one of the "early" G-14/AS built by Erla (the main production of this version took place in Regensburg and those had the ubiquitous "chin bulges" due to the use - for availability reasons only - of the K-4 lower cowl...much to the "amusement" of the researchers).

The "Rita" shown in the photo has two characteristics that, put together identify it quite clearly as an "early" G-14/AS: the obvious lack of "chin bulges" and the "quarter moon" bulged panel ahead of the cockpit (whose curve can clearly be seen behind the legs of one of the man sitting in front of the windscreen).

The G-10s built by Erla (once erroneously identified as "G-10/AS" because their lack of chin bulges was erroneously attributed to the presence of a DB 605 AS... the proof of the new, entirely redesigned upper and lower cowl was in 1992 still to come...) were unmistakenly identifield also by the rectangular panel on the port side of the fuselage, replacing the curved one.

The presence on the same plane of the normal lower cowl and of the curved panel makes the Red 2 "Rita" definitely an Erla-built G-14/AS, IMHO.

HTH