Me109G-10 Cargo Hatch - what is the box for?

[George Hopp]

As you say, Nick: having a lead-acid directly behind his head would not be a happy thought for a pilot, whether in combat or preparing for a forced-landing. That was the problem with the 109, there was little room to install extra equipment without moving other equipment around to accomodate it. In my estimation, the placing of the battery directly behind the pilot is a clear indication of just how desperate the engineers were becoming in trying to keep the 109 flying and fighting.