Without a doubt, the Messerschmitt Bf109 can be clamed as the most famous and successful German aircraft from the WW2. It was the worlds most advanced fighter at that time of its debut in 1936, and remained as the standard fighter for the Luftwaffe throughout the conflict. Created by the brilliant designer Willi Messerschmitt, it had the smallest possible air frame built around the most powerful engine available. It also boasted many of the then innovated features such as an all metal stressed skin construction, retractable main landing gear. Automatic Handley-Page leading edge slats, etc. The Bf109 saw the first combat during the Spanish Civil War and fully demonstrated it exceptional maneuverability, inherited from its precedent Bf108 Taifun (Typhoon) multi-purpose sports plane. The Bf109 underwent numerous improvements throughout its carrier, and mass production of the E variant started late in 1939. Within one year, about 2,000 E aircraft were rolled out. Its excellent performance greatly contributed in the active service of German pilots at the Western Front and during the Battle of Britain. The E-3 version used and improved Daimler-Benz DB601Aa engine capable of 1,100 h.p. output. This engine had provision for mounting a 20mm MG FF cannon on the crankcase and firing through propeller hub. The Messerschmitt Bf109E was one of the best fighters of the early WW2 period, on a par with the British Spitfire.
