Messerschmitt 109 Design Problems

[George Hopp]

T

he 190 with the dual 20mm gunpods had a loss of speed of between 19 and 25mph, depending of the height.

In spite of the increased firepower of those dual 20mm gunpods, it was not popular because it reduced maeuverability, speed, and ceiling.

This was the problem with the 109 gondolas. They may not have done much to reduce speed or ceiling, but they certainly reduced maneuverability. And, without the gondola-mounted guns, the firepower of the 109 was pretty pathetic.