Author Topic: How many airworthy Bf 109s today? (Read 11717 times)

Widewing · « **on:** May 24, 2004, 06:52:14 PM »

A former P-38/P-51 fighter pilot with the 55th Fighter Group wrote me asking how many airworthy Bf 109s there are worldwide.

I'm thinking that someone here would know the answer.

Here's his note to me:

"I'm still above ground, and volunteering some time at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, OR. Still the home of the HK-1 "Spruce Goose." An airworthy BF109G10 is on display, and I know of only one other in the U.S., last reported at Mojave, CA. Can you tell me how many airworthy Messerschmitt Bf109s remain worldwide. I thought only the two in the U.S., but a visitor at the museum corrected me. He stated that there are others.

Hopefully all is well with you and yours. This old, worn-out fighter pilot is trying to age gracefully, but it's a tough task. If you find yourself in the Portland, Oregon area, please be my guest at Evergreen museum. The collection is growing!

Stan Richardson, Jr."

Stan was also a P-38 RTU instructor, almost a legend among P-38 pilots for demontrating loops and barrel rolls on one engine during a time when pilots were terrified to fly the P-38 with an engine out.

My regards,

Widewing

Angus · « **Reply #1 on:** May 24, 2004, 07:56:24 PM »

There was a thread on these boards a while ago about a restored 109 E (?) in the US.

Rafe35 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 24, 2004, 08:17:41 PM »

There's still alot Bf 109s around the world, but I cannot tell how many are airworthy and believe it or not, Bf 109s wreckage still on swamp, ocean, ground, or something that nobody can find wreckage 109s in near Russia, Germany, France, and Africa.

Rafe

GRUNHERZ · « **Reply #3 on:** May 24, 2004, 09:11:21 PM »

Off the top of my head..

The Bf109 G10 in McMinnville.

The Bf109E in Mojave.

Bf109G/Hispano at Travis AFB - this plane flies all the time and frequents California airshows.

Bf109G2 Black 6 in UK.

Bf109G10 in Germany.

Bf109G6 in Germany, owned by Messerschmitt foundation.

Jester · « **Reply #4 on:** May 24, 2004, 09:58:16 PM »

Think "BLACK 6" in the UK was grounded after it was overturned in an accident.

Rafe35 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 24, 2004, 10:43:06 PM »

Number Still Airworthy: ~9 (approximately two-thirds are HA-112s.)

Rafe

Guppy35 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 25, 2004, 12:53:55 AM »

The 109E that was in California with David Price is now in Canada with a new owner.

The two 109s with the Messerschmitt foundation in Germany are both converted Spanich "Buchons".

There are a number of 109s in restoration including a 109E7 in Virginia at:

http://www.tidetech.com/fighterfactory/bf109e7.html

A listing of all surviving 109s can be found at:

http://www.preservedaxisaircraft.com/Luftwaffe/messerschmitt/me109.htm

Dan/Slack

Wmaker · « **Reply #7 on:** May 25, 2004, 11:58:55 AM »

Right *now* I think that E-7 sold to Canada is the only airworthy 109 in the world.

AFAIK rest are not original war time planes...ie. they are mostly Buchons with DB605s fitted.

GScholz · « **Reply #8 on:** May 25, 2004, 12:16:24 PM »

Wmaker, the G-6 you've got in Finland is still airworthy (with a checkup) isn't it? At least it was flown to the museum after it ended its service in the '50s ... IIRC.

Wmaker · « **Reply #9 on:** May 25, 2004, 01:12:19 PM »

Heh GScholz.

Well, It could be flyable with an extensive check up like many 109s around the world. It had its engine last started in the late 70's. It is true that basically only thing done to it after its service is new paint job (painted at least two different times after service). But it should be noted that lot of things happen to an airplane in 50 years when it is just sitting still. If it were to fly I think it would need total dismantling of the engine and the other systems, some modern avionics etc. etc...

Tarmac · « **Reply #10 on:** May 25, 2004, 02:02:05 PM »

I thought there was one based in either N or S Carolina. I remember it not being able to make its scheduled airshow appearance because of the weather there.

mipoikel · « **Reply #11 on:** May 25, 2004, 04:03:50 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by GScholz
Wmaker, the G-6 you've got in Finland is still airworthy (with a checkup) isn't it? At least it was flown to the museum after it ended its service in the '50s ... IIRC.

Yes... it needs some repair. As you can see, it leaks oil!

Hokum79 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 25, 2004, 06:18:24 PM »

For so many years, we have had at La Ferté-Alais a 109 which can supposedly fly, but it's always kept on the ground due to the fact that "weather conditions are not perfect", and we just see him taxiing on the take-off strip.
If one day we can actually see him taking off, I swear I'll have an heart attack.

I think it is the british one Grunherz mentioned.

fats · « **Reply #13 on:** May 26, 2004, 01:39:11 AM »

Is the Bf 109 outside the cafeteria near Utti still there in the class cube?

// fats

Fishu · « **Reply #14 on:** May 26, 2004, 01:59:21 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by mipoikel
Yes... it needs some repair. As you can see, it leaks oil!

Isn't that a sign of airworthiness