MESSERSCHMITT Me 209V-4 - 1939

Description

In the 1930s, in the time of the rearmament, Germany tried to showcase their military power also by breaking aviation records. This effort, backed by the state, brought many new records including the most prestigious one, the world speed record. Of interest might be the fact that two German aviation companies rivaled to achieve the record, namely Heinkel and Messerschmitt, each of which had their opponents and sympathizers in the Nazi state offices. The first prototype Me 209V-1 (W.Nr.1185) with registration D-INJR was taken aloft for the first time on 1 August 1938 with Dr.Ing.Hermann Wurster at the controls and with only a half full fuel and coolant tanks. Trouble with the engine, cooling system, stability and also other issues occured right during the first flight. Not even the second prototype, the Me 209V-2 (W.Nr.1186) which made its first flight on 8 February 1939 did any better. What is more, it was destroyed shortly after during a crash on 4 April 1939. As at that time, the world record had already been broken by the He 100V-8, all effort was made to prepare the first prototype (Me 209V-1) for the record attempt. The machine got a unique DB-601ARJ engine, its tail fin was enlarged and the machine was also painted high gloss blue overall. On 26 April 1939, Fritz Wendel managed to break the record, his top speed would not be surpassed until 1969 by the improved version of the Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat Conquest I (gained 820.824 kmh). Although the record machine proved to be a success, the planned military version fell rather short of that. It was fitted with a larger span wing, a standard type of power plant and radiators and also carried a 20mm cannon and two 7.92m MGs. The wing and the empennage were modified several times, but not even the latest upgrades enabled the type to see military service and just boosted the Nazi propaganda. (Scale : 1/72e)