The Messerschmitt Bf 109 T is a navalized variant of the “Emil” modification, developed in the late 1930s to equip Germany’s planned aircraft carrier, the “Graf Zeppelin”.
Bf 109 T-2: A Premium Fighter for Germany at Rank II
At a glance:
- Improved low speed handling
- Deadly arsenal
- Premium bonuses
In the late 1930s, the German Kriegsmarine laid out plans to build up its fleet to match that of the Royal Navy at the time. As these plans involved building a carrier, it quickly became apparent that this type of vessel would also require specialized naval aircraft. Reluctant to shift away resources from its own build up of forces, the Luftwaffe proposed to develop navalized variants of existing aircraft types instead of developing completely new ones. This proposal ended up being accepted and soon afterwards resulted in the modification of several “Emil” models with arrestor hooks, longer wings with bigger ailerons and flaps to facilitate carrier operations. This became the Bf 109 T-1.
By 1940 however, shifting wartime priorities halted the construction of Germany’s Graf Zeppelin aircraft carrier. As a result, the hastily converted Bf 109 T-1s were soon pressed into frontline service, losing some of their carrier modifications and becoming the land-based Bf 109 T-2. Being optimized for short runway operations, the Bf 109 T-2 quickly found itself operating with Luftwaffe units out of Norwegian airstrips where they remained until the end of 1941 before being replaced by other variants.
After that, the Bf 109Ts were relegated to secondary roles and were often used as trainer aircraft until late into 1944. In the end, only around 60 Bf 109 T-2s were ever built, making them one of the rarest variants of all series produced modifications of the Bf 109.
Introducing the Bf 109 T-2!
The Bf 109 T-2 is a special variant originally derived from the “Emil” series, built only in few numbers for Germany’s planned Graf Zeppelin aircraft carrier. Though seeing only limited frontline use during the Second World War because of its specialized role, the Bf 109 T-2 represents a truly unique modification of the Bf 109 series. Keen to find out more about this hidden gem of the Messerschmitt family? Then join us as we dive deeper in today’s devblog.
As carrier operations vastly differ from regular land based ones, the Bf 109 E’s design had to be adapted to enable take offs and landings from short runways. This prompted engineers at Messerschmitt to augment the aircraft’s design by lengthening the wings, ailerons and flaps, which in turn improved the aircraft’s handling in low speed flying. All other specifications remaining identical to the land-based counterpart meant that the Bf 109 T-2 retained its excellent speed and agility while extending its performance envelope at low speeds. This improvement may come in handy for passionate dogfighters as it ensures the aircraft still remains controllable at speeds where the land-based variant would usually stall.
Interesting: The Bf 109 T-2 remains one of the rarest series produced variants of the Bf 109 family with only around 60 units being produced.
Inheriting much of its design and specifications from its land based counterparts also means that the Bf 109 T-2 features access to the same arsenal as found on the already well familiar Emils. Featuring a combination of two machine guns and two powerful 20 mm cannons ensures the quick destruction of hostile aircraft. At the same time, the Bf 109 T-2 can also be equipped with a pylon capable of fitting the aircraft with 50 and 250 kg bombs and thus extending its capabilities to perform strike missions in Ground or Naval battles.
The Bf 109 T-2 will soon join the starting ranks of the German aviation tree as a new premium aircraft, available for Golden Eagles. Thanks to its premium bonuses and the overall good balance between performance and firepower, the Bf 109 T-2 will enable newer pilots to quickly climb the ranks, while veterans may add a unique variant of the legendary 109 to their collection! That’s all for today’s devblog — until the next one, clear skies and happy hunting folks!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.
