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

[George Hopp]

The 109 G-14 captured by the Brits in July 1944 was the first a/c to have been found to have the battery mounted directly behind the pilot. It was also the first series G-type a/c to be carry the MW-50 tank.

The 109K a/c was a redesigned a/c, which had the radios and other equipment moved as far forward as they could be, and so Mtt could move the battery back to the forward part of the rear fuselage. This is evidenced by the forward movement of the radio access panel.

And no, the 109 G-10 was not designed to be like a 109K, it was designed to be a 109G.

[harrison987]

Hi George!

I was actually considering the Radio Placement after I sent that last post...

Here is something I disagree on...

If I recall correctly, the G-10 was "not" a further development of the standard G series...it was a design to be the most powerful aircraft possible, up to the standard of the already designed K, however using the G airframe. In-fact the G-10 used around 80% of the parts referenced in the K parts manual, and only around 20% of the late 1944 G manual. The 605DC engines were already available for the K, but none of the K assemblies were, due to delays. To keep up production, the G-10 was a new design, with efforts made to be as close to K as posisble, using the current airframe (until the K assemblies arrived at factory).

The issue is that in only 1 G-10 photo have seen a large battery located in this cockpit hatch position. There were also various design changes throughout G-10 production (such as flettner tabs on the "613..." serial, for example), which were implimented..all originating from the K design. Most photos show this baggage hatch removed (souvenir), and that space completely empty. Granted, the German's could have salvaged the battery, but then why would they leave the most useful and valuable weaponry, and take just a battery? I also can't see any relic hunters taking a battery either due to weight. As the ZBK241 was installed only on aircraft equipped with Bombs, it makes sense that this space be empty on the wrecks (either taken by souvenir hunters, or never installed).

The K cargo hatch was a different size and shape, along with a new way of attaching to the rear cockpit area (you cannot fit a K hatch on a G airframe or visa versa as I have already tried). These G-10 hatches with the box-shape would have already been made, and already standard...so they kept the design.

As the Me109K was made at the same time as the G-10...my suspicion is that as though it may have been "conceived" to house the battery in this hatch position (and probably done so on the first production G-10's), the German's matched the K interior equipment placement, and moved the battery and radio positions to match.

It would also make sense as friends of mine who have dug G-10 wrecks have never found one in that position...

Thoughts?

mike