Messerschmitt Bf 108

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_Bf_108

The Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun was a German single-engine sport and touring
aircraft developed by Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (Bavarian Aircraft Works) in the
1930s. The Bf 108 was of all-metal construction.

Originally designated the M 37, the aircraft was designed as a four-seat
sports/recreation aircraft for competition in the 4th Challenge International de
Tourisme (1934). The M 37 prototype flew first in spring 1934 powered by a 250
PS (247 hp, 184 kW) Hirth HM 8U inverted-V engine, which drove a three-blade
propeller.

Although it was outperformed by several other aircraft in the competition, the M
37's overall performance marked it as a popular choice for record flights.
Particular among these traits was its extremely low fuel consumption rate, good
handling, and superb takeoff and landing characteristics.

The Bf 108A first flew in 1934, followed by the Bf 108B in 1935. The Bf 108B
used the Argus As 10 air-cooled inverted V8 engine. The nickname Taifun (German
for "typhoon") was given to her own aircraft by Elly Beinhorn, a well-known
German pilot, and was generally adopted


Role
Sport and touring aircraft

Manufacturer
Bayerische Flugzeugwerke

Designer
Willy Messerschmitt

First flight
1934

Introduction
1935

Retired
1945

Primary users
Luftwaffe
Armée de l'Air
Manchukuo National Airways

Number built
885

Variants
Nord 1000 Pingouin
Nord Noralpha

Soon after the first production aircraft began to roll off the assembly line in
Augsburg, several Bf 108s had set endurance records.

The Bf 108 was adopted into Luftwaffe service during World War II, where it was
primarily used as a personnel transport and liaison aircraft. The aircraft
involved in the Mechelen Incident was a Bf 108.

Production of the Bf 108 was transferred to occupied France during World War II
and production continued after the war as the Nord 1000 Pingouin.

Specifications (Bf 108B)

General characteristics
Crew: one
Length: 8.3 m (27 ft 2 in)
Wingspan: 10.5 m (34 ft 5 in)
Height: 2.3 m (7 ft 6 in)
Wing area: 16 m² (172 ft²)
Empty weight: 806 kg (1,775 lb)
Loaded weight: 1,350 kg (2,976 lb)
Powerplant: 1 × Argus As 10C air-cooled inverted V-8, 240 PS (174 kW)

Performance
Maximum speed: 305 km/h (190 mph)
Range: 1,000 km (620 mi)
Service ceiling: 6,200 m (20,300 ft) with 4 people and baggage
Rate of climb: 5.21 m/s (1,194 ft/m) to 1,000 m (3,048 ft)
Wing loading: 83.4 kg/m² (17.1 lb/ft²)
Power/mass: 0.133 kW/kg (0.081 hp/lb)




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