Hatch on Bf109

[gilles collaveri]

Dear all,

We found this small hatch on a BF109G crash site, please note the number "221" carved on the back of it.

it reminds me of the small hatch under the antenna that the pilot used to climb in the cockpit,

is it the case ?

Thanks for your expertise;

GC

[gilles collaveri]

we do have the hatch that allowed the pilot to climb on board the aircraft

We had the answer by going on the Bf109 exposed in Aeroscopia museum in Toulouse, have a look at the picture, it perfectly matches.

You will notice on this hatch the grey color paint, quite different from the standard green camouflage we are used to on the Luftwaffe aircraft.
Was this grey specific to the Reco BF109 ? (this aircraft belonged to Nagr 13)

cheers

GC

[Crimea River]

Note that similar, if not identical, covers appear on the cowl in front of the wind screen.

"Standard green camouflage" would have applied up to 1941 after which mostly greys RLM 74 and 75 would have been used. Of course, field applied variations were always possible.

[harrison987]

2 or 4 of these were on the aircraft. 1 (or two) on the gun cowl cover. 1 (or two) on the baggage compartment for hand holds.

[gilles collaveri]

Thanks for these additional ideas, guys,

I will check on A/C in Aeroscopia museum and will let you know.

GC