Me-109 G, WWII Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 23: April 22, 1943 (Lone Sentry)

A new "G" series of the Me-109 has been reported and at least two sub-types, the G-1 and G-2, have been in operation. The sub-types are numbered from 1 to 6, the difference being that the odd-numbered models are fitted with pressure cabins which the even-numbered versions lack.

In general, the design and structure of the airframe is similar to that of the Me-109F, with a wing span of 32 ft 7 in, a length of 29 ft 4 in, and a gross wing area of 172 sq.ft. It is powered by a Daimler-Benz 605-A1, inverted "V", 12-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, which, in the case of the G-2, gives a maximum speed of 378 mph at 23,200 ft. with tropical equipment, and 395 to 400 mph at 22,000 ft. without it. The non-tropical version is estimated to climb to 18,000 ft. in 5.3 min., and at that altitude is believed to have a normal range of 415 miles and a maximum range of 725 miles. The regular fuel capacity is estimated at 106 U.S. gallons, and there is provision for a jettisonable fuel tank of a 78-gallon capacity fitted to a quick release hook below the fuselage. This feature increases the normal range to 755 miles and the maximum range to 1,250 miles. Although the main fuel tank is generally not self-sealing, an aircraft was found to be fitted with one that was self-sealing.

The armament consists of one 20-mm cannon firing through the spinner, two 7.9-mm machine guns mounted above the engine, firing through the propeller arc, and provisions have been made for two 20-mm cannon mounted in fairings below the wing, about 12 in. inboard of the leading edge slots. When used as a fighter-bomber, either one 550-lb. bomb, four 110-lb. bombs, or 96 antipersonnel bombs can be carried. In such case, no jettisonable fuel tank could be fitted.

The pilot's back is protected by 8-mm armor plate and his head by 10-mm plate, the latter attached to the jettisonable cockpit cover. There is a laminated, duralumin bulkhead about .75 in. thick, placed behind the fuel tank. In front of the pilot is a 2-1/2-in. bullet-proof windshield, forward of which is 1/4 inch of a plexiglas plate fitted with a glass plug screwed in the corner, containing a moisture-absorbing substance to prevent condensation between the two plates. While the cockpits in all models are probably sealed, only the odd-numbered versions are pressurized. In the latter aircraft the pressure inside the cabin can be regulated by moving a pressure valve within small limits, to "Rising" or "Falling" up to 19,700 ft. altitude. Desired compensation of pressure (presumably during descent) may be obtained by operating a rapid- pressure-release valve, and up to 9,800 ft. altitude ventilation may be obtained in the same manner. The cabin is also provided with dessicant "cartridges" between the double panes of the superstructure.