Messerschmitt 109 Design Problems

[George Hopp]

keep in mind the Germans used explosive cannons, while the Americans were not. 1 shot from a 30mm would blow the wing right off...a .50cal woould not do even close, so the extra weaponry would not have been needed anyway...

Due to the low rate of fire of the 30mm cannon, a hit on anything during a dogfight was highly problematic. That's why the MK 108 was a bomber killer, and considered useless against fighters.

Every German pilot I have spoken to said they HATED the Wing Gondolas...though it did not affect speed, manueverabilty WAS terribly hampered.

Remember, the idea behind the wing weapons on the 109 was for the increased firepower, generally for use against bombers rather than against other fighters. But, without the wing weapons, the firepower of the 109F/G was pathetic. That's why US bombers were generally able to laugh it off, whereas they never laughed at the firepower of the Fw 190!