Using specially commissioned artwork and detailing technical
specifications, this book explores the Bf 109's different roles
occasioned by wartime necessity, from its employment as a fighter to its
evolution as a fighter-bomber.
One of the principal types in the Luftwaffe's inventory at the beginning
of World War II, the piston-engined Bf 109 was central to the many
initial victories that the Germans achieved before coming up against the
unbeatable RAF during the Battle of Britain. Nevertheless, by the second
half of 1940 the Bf 109's operability was widened due to operational
needs and it was flown as a fighter-bomber for precision attacks in
Southern England. At first ad hoc conversions were made 'in the field'
to allow the aircraft to carry a bomb or extra fuel tank. Such
modifications were soon formalised by Messerschmitt, which created the
Jabo Bf 109s.
Drawing from pilots' first-hand accounts, author Malcolm V. Lowe
explores the number of specialised units, including Lehrgeschwader 2 and
dedicated fighter-bomber sections of standard fighter units such as 10.
Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 26, which flew this highly specialised
fighter-bomber. Including technical specifications, rare photographs and
outstanding artwork, this book explores the Jabo versions of the Bf
109E, F and G both on the production line and with the addition of
Rüstsätze field conversion kits.
