Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4 ‘Kurfürst’

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was a German fighter aircraft designed in the mid-1930s and it represented the first modern fighter of the era. Originally conceived as an interceptor, later models were developed to fulfil various roles, such as bomber escort, fighter-bomber, day and night fighter, ground-attack or reconnaissance. Various armament modifications evolved in service, using pre-packaged or field kits. The aircraft was of an all-metal monocoque construction, featuring an enclosed canopy and a retractable landing gear.
The Bf 109K was the last in the ‘109’ evolutionary line and also the most uniform model. Work on this version began in the spring of 1943 and the series production started in August 1944 with the K-4 variant.
The standard features were the DB 605D engine, the Erla clear-view canopy, large main wheels with corresponding large oblong wing bulges, deeper oil cooler under the nose and tall tail fin. A long fully retractable tail wheel was fitted, while small mainwheel well outer doors were also provided (although frequently removed in service). The Bf 109K-4 was equipped with an engine-mounted MK 108 cannon and two MG 131 guns in the nose. Some aircraft were also fitted with two underwing MG 151/20 cannon gondola pods (R4 kit) or WGr. 21 rockets. Some 1,200 aircraft were mainly built by Messerschmitt, while Erla plant also supplied a small quantity.
The Bf 109 was the most produced fighter aircraft in the aviation history, and besides the German Luftwaffe it served in many other air forces and gallantly fought in all aerial combats of WWII.