Neat photograph of a Bf-109 in American markings

[jeffdn]

I'd not seen this before. Thought it was pretty neat.



It doesn't look like it has the 13mm machine guns, but it also doesn't have guns built into the wing. Maybe an F or early G model?

[Zacherof]

My $0.02 is that it's a G. I'm not all that an expert tho

[MiloMorai]

Also notice the air filter on the intake. So would have been captured in NA most likely.

Tho not clear enough, it appears to have external armoured wind screen.

Bf109F-4/Z Trop would be my guess.

[Devil 505]

It's a late G-2 trop or G-4 trop.

It has the thick canopy frames, aux oil cooling scoops on the cowling, and the fixed tail wheel.

[Wmaker]

Definately a G. Spoked wheels suggests an early G.

[Zacherof]

  hmm I was just looking at the airscrew and the cowling. I'll pat myself on the back for this one.

[colmbo]

The 31st FG had a Macchi they were using as a hack, I think they also had a 109 the "aquired" and used for pilot fam.  This might be that airplane.

[Stampf]

That's a G-2 Trop...captured in Benghazi in 1942.

If you want the full story...PM me.

[jeffdn]

Here's another photo of it I found:

[RTHolmes]

That's a G-2 Trop...captured in Benghazi in 1942.

If you want the full story...PM me.

post it! I'm sure theres plenty here who would appreciate it

[Oldman731]

I'd not seen this before. Thought it was pretty neat.  It doesn't look like it has the 13mm machine guns, but it also doesn't have guns built into the wing. Maybe an F or early G model?

Dan:  Is this the one Earl's squadron rebuilt?

- oldman

[Stampf]

post it! I'm sure theres plenty here who would appreciate it

Captured by the 79th FG.  This 109 was a G-2 Trop, coded '14' (black) and named 'Irmgard'. (So-named after the crew-chief's girlfriend.) Here's a few more shots of this ship, for anyone who may be interested.
 

As captured:


Repainted:



With 87th FS emblem: Here she is with an 87th FS emblem on the fuselage. This was applied to both sides. This emblem was eventually replaced by that of the 86th FS, shown in the next photo.
 


At Wright Field: 'Irmgard' eventually wound up at Wright Field and is seen here undergoing static testing. Note the replacement port wing. The original port wing can be seen off to the side, behind the tail.
 


In the field:





All sides flew 'turncoat' aircraft during the war.  They often got some very cool paint jobs, and their history is always fascinating.


There is a whole bunch of info and pics of this aircraft in the '79th FG history' by Don Woerpel, for anyone who is interested in more detail.

Cheers.

[jeffdn]

It's amazing how similar it looks to those P-51Bs in your second-to-last photograph!

[Stampf]

It's amazing how similar it looks to those P-51Bs in your second-to-last photograph!

Are those 51's...or 40's?

Either way...yes...all the in line engine aircraft basically shared the same thin, sleek profile.  With the exception of say...the 190D series that mounted a round radiator...thus given the impression of a radial powerplant, but in reality...water cooled in line.

[tunnelrat]

Are those 51's...or 40's?

Tail says P-40