Aerodynamic Penalty: Fixed Tail Wheel Bf-109G

[Broncazonk]

What was the aerodynamic penalty (drag, as expressed in the reduction of airspeed) of the fixed tail wheel on the Bf-109G series? It must have been substantial, +/- 5 to 7 mph? It was like having a big air anchor out there.

Also, this configuration must have hurt acceleration. And the tail wheel on the K series must have been worse.

This retrograde design feature was to simplify and speed the manufacturing process? Or, was it a field maintenance issue (mud in gear well in the East?) (The F series featured a partially retracted tail wheel did it not?)

Thanks,

Bronc

[John Beaman]

Bronc, logically you would think so, but seem to recall reading in some MTT research that they concluded the penalty was minimal and worth the saving in maintenance issues, especially on the Eastern Front with primitive airfields.

[Juha]

Gs up to late G-2s had the small semi-retractable tailwheel like in Fs, the bigger tailwheel introduced officially with G-4 but installed also in many late G-2s didn't fit to the recess, so the tailwheel had to be locked down. Also in many but not most earlier G-2s the original tailwheel was locked down, that might well be a result of some maintenance issue.
Also many K-4s had the fully retractable tailwheel originally planned for but not all, that because of the supply problems in late war Germany.

Juha

[Leo Etgen]

Hi Bronc

I have seen statements that the fixed tail wheel cost some 10 to 12 kilometers in maximum speed. The Bf 109 E- and F-series used a 290 x 110 mm sized tail wheel and the Bf 109 G- and K-series used a 350 x 135 mm sized tail wheel. As others have mentioned the larger tire did not fit into the wheel bay so the strut was fixed down and often covered with a dust boot. The Bf 109 K-series was intended to have a retractable tail wheel but even on those examples so equipped problems with the hydraulic retraction system caused many to have the unit locked down and the doors wired shut. I hope this helps.

Horrido!

Leo

[Charles Bavarois]

Hello guys,

Messerschmitt did some tests in late 1943 and filed a report on 14. January 1944. They found, that at sea-level the large tailwheel cost 12 Km/h and the tailwheel with the longer strut 17 km/h.

Greetings

Carl

[Broncazonk]

Thank you one and all for the data and input!

Sincerely,

Robert = Bronc