Fieseler
Bf 109B-1
The Bf 109 B‑1 was the second production model of the famed German fighter line, entering service in early 1936. Though the aircraft is most often linked to Messerschmitt, a small contract batch was assembled by the Fieseler works, which contributed to the rapid expansion of the Luftwaffe’s frontline strength. Powered by a liquid‑cooled Mercedes‑D.IIIa 12‑cylinder engine delivering roughly 1,100 hp, the B‑1 could reach a top speed of about 470 km/h (292 mph) at altitude and featured a sleek, low‑drag airframe with a single‑piece, all‑metal wing that set new standards for maneuverability.
Armament consisted of two 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns mounted in the cowling, while later field modifications added a 20 mm Ma Sh. 20 cannon firing through the propeller hub, giving the type a potent punch for its era. The B‑1 saw its first combat in the Spanish Civil War, where pilots praised its climb rate and turning ability, laying the groundwork for the B‑1’s reputation as a versatile interceptor.
The aircraft’s significance lies in its role as the stepping stone toward the legendary Bf 109 series that dominated European skies throughout World War II. The Fieseler‑built examples demonstrated the feasibility of distributed production, a concept that later aided Germany’s wartime aircraft manufacturing strategy.
Armament consisted of two 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns mounted in the cowling, while later field modifications added a 20 mm Ma Sh. 20 cannon firing through the propeller hub, giving the type a potent punch for its era. The B‑1 saw its first combat in the Spanish Civil War, where pilots praised its climb rate and turning ability, laying the groundwork for the B‑1’s reputation as a versatile interceptor.
The aircraft’s significance lies in its role as the stepping stone toward the legendary Bf 109 series that dominated European skies throughout World War II. The Fieseler‑built examples demonstrated the feasibility of distributed production, a concept that later aided Germany’s wartime aircraft manufacturing strategy.
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Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 336.66 inch
Performance
- Maximum Speed
- 292 mile per hour
- Service Ceiling
- 29528 foot
- Range
- 404 mile
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Manufacturer
- Fieseler
- Engine
- Jumo 210D
- Wikidata ID
- Q15411019