MESSERSCHMITT BF 109: The Operational Record

Scutts, Jerry

ISBN 10: 1853105570 / ISBN 13: 9781853105579

Published by Airlife Publishing Ltd., Shrewsbury, England, 1996

About this Item

This volume contains the history of the Messerschmitt BF 109 German fighter plane of World War II. It was manufactured in greater numbers than any other plane committed to combat by Germany or the Allies. Recounted are the missions flown throughout the war and the battles of which it was a part. Surviving aircraft are detailed. Included are photographs and an index. This copy is clean and solid.

Seller Inventory # 007574

Bibliographic Details

• Title: MESSERSCHMITT BF 109: The Operational Record
• Publisher: Airlife Publishing Ltd., Shrewsbury, England
• Publication Date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1853105570
• ISBN 13: 9781853105579
• Binding: Cloth
• Edition: First Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine

About this title

Synopsis

This magnificent aircraft first saw action in the Spanish Civil War and by the time of the major German offensives in 1939-40 it was the Luftwaffe's principal fighter. During the Battle of Britain it provided the RAF's Spitfires and Hurricanes with their major opposition. The airplane was notoriously difficult to land because of its narrow undercarriage but during its long service career many models were developed for different theatres of operation. Over 33,000 Bf 109s were built between 1937 and 1945. They saw service on both the Western and Eastern fronts in World War II and dominated the skies over North Africa in 1941.Many air forces continued to fly them after the war, notably Spain. This is the perfect introductory book for the general reader, enthusiast and modeler alike wishing to find a succinct yet detailed introduction to the design and history of the Messerschmitt Bf 109. Why was the aircraft conceived? What was it like to fly on a mission? Who were the people who designed it and became famous for flying it? What were its virtues and vices? These and many more questions are answered here, plus a host of illustrations that show variations of color schemes used in different operational theatres and rare photographs taken when the heat was on.

About the Author

Jerry Scutts has spent many years in journalism including a stint with the UK Civil Aviation Authority. As a full-time author since the 1980s he has written nearly sixty books dealing with aviation in WW2, Korea and Vietnam. Jerry has also written on his secondary interest, naval history.