@ New Orleans, LA
September 2024
From a return visit to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. First flown in 1935, the Bf 109 was one of the the first modern fighters of the era, with all-metal monocoque construction, a closed canopy, and retractable landing gear. Also known as the Me-109, the Bf 109 was the most produced fighter aircraft in history with close to 34,000 produced. This Bf 109G is a composite aircraft assembled from parts recovered from crash sites, original parts located at former factories and carefully replicated replacements. This being a late-model 109, the propeller blades were constructed of wood, as was part of the tail. Restored in Austria, the effort began with just the engine cowling. This aircraft has been painted in the color scheme of Jagdgeschwader (Fighter Wing) 300. JG.300 was originally meant to test “Wilde Sau” (wild sow) tactics, which involved attacking British bombers at night using radio and searchlights rather than on-board radar. The Museum added this aircraft to their collection in June 2008.