The Messerschmitt Bf109G-6/R2 (R6) "Gustav"

In 1933 the German Luftwaffe issued a requirement for a single-engine, single-seat fighter aircraft. Chief designer for Bayerische Flugzeugewerke (Bf), and Professor Willi Messerschmitt responded with a design designated as the Bf109. In 1936 comparative trials took place between two contenders; the Heinkel model 112, and the Messerschmitt Bf109. The "Bf109" was selected and production began in 1937. Until the company was reorganized by the German government in 1938 all production ("109's") carried the prefix "Bf." After the company had been reorganized as Messerschmitt A.G., all subsequent "109's" carried the "Me" prefix.

The Me109G or "Gustav" series was a result of improvement of several previous models which included the "B", "E", and "F". Between 1937 and 1942 over 11,000 of the earlier models were produced. In late 1942 the "G" (Gustav) was introduced, and by the end of World War II over 33,000 Me 109 models of all variants had been produced.

The "109G" was primarily a defensive fighter. The 109G-6/R2 had 2x13.1mm MG131 machine guns located in the upper cowling and 1x15.1/20 mm (MG 151/20) or 1x30mm MK108 MK103 cannon located in the propellor hub. The 109G-6/R6 had 2 additional 15.1/20 mm (MG 151/20) cannon located in underwing gondolas. As the "Allies" developed their bombardment capability and began their long-range deep-penetration raids into Germany the Luftwaffe's demand for fighter aircraft became greater and greater. In 1943 Messerschmitt A.G. produced 6,418 Me 109G airplanes and in 1944 that production figure rose to an unprecedented number of 14,212 machines manufactured in one year.

The Me109G had an excellent climb rate, speed and handling. Like all of the Me-109 series of aircraft, the "Gustav" single performance design flaw was its fuel load which gave it a combat radius of only 350 miles, or just 55 minutes of fuel endurance. Many aviation historians believe that this "single design flaw" cost the German Air Force the "battle Of Britain" in 1940 and as a result, possibly the war.

Armament arrangement of the G-6

a. 13mm Rheinmetall Borsig MG 131
b. Synchronization mechanism of MG 131 and propellor
c. 13mm magazine
d. 13mm cartridge belt cover
e. MG 131 mounting bracket
f. Ammo cover
g. MG 131 barrel support
h. 20mm Mauser MG 151/20
i. MG 151/20 mounting bracket
j. n/a
k. 20mm magazine
l. 20mm cartridge belt cover
m. Control column
n. ReciC/12D gun sight
o. Trigger