Bf 109 H in service with 5.(F)/123

[George Hopp]

Modifying the G-5 to carry both a camera and an MW-50 tank would have been fun since, of course, first the main fuel tank would need to have been removed (since it provided the only access to the rear fuselage). Then the MW-50 tank was installed, followed by the recce camera, and then finally the fuselage tank would be reinstalled. After the provision of those two boosting systems, it seems strange that the aircraft would not also have been provided for the plumbing to carry underwing drop tanks to give it a decent range, or to place fuel tanks in the wing root sections as was planned in the report of 15.12.43, but not planned for the aircraft to be converted at Guyancourt.

For the report of 24.01.44 that details the changes to be completed at Guyancourt to create a 109H, see http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showth...t=13823&page=2. The report indicates that the vertical tail would be the 109G tall tail unit, while the horizontal tail was to be that of the Me 209. Did this happen? I don't know, but to have a larger horizontal tail to match the larger wing would seem to be a logical action.

As for the engine of this aircraft, the January 1944 document clearly states a DB 605 BS (a DB 605 A with modified gearing, as used on the Bf 110), together with the 3.4m propeller as used on the Me 210. But, the report mentions only a GM 1 unit, and not a MW-50 unit to be applied to the aircraft during conversion, although Nick's narrative declares that both were installed.