Messerschmitt Bf109G at the Wanaka Warbirds Airshow

After World War 2, German Messerschmitt Bf109s were built under license in Spain; this type of aircraft is called a Hispano HA-112 Buchon.  In an incredible irony, these aircraft were powered by Rolls Royce Merlin engines, the same type of engine which the Spitfire used; in a further irony, the first prototype Bf 109 was also powered by a Rolls Royce engine, the Kestrel!

This plane is a Buchon called Black 2 which was restored in Germany and re-engined with a genuine Daimler Benz DB-605 engine found in Italy.

click here to open a new window with this photo in computer wallpaper format

It was outfitted with various parts to give it the external appearance of a Bf109G-10, a variant of the "Gustav" line of Bf109s, which was the definitive type used by the Germans during world war two.

click here to open a new window with this photo in computer wallpaper format

I guess this must be what an Bf109 looked like to a Spitfire pilot!

It was then taken to the UK to the Old Flying Machine company and flown by the father and son team of Ray and Mark Hanna, who were good enough to bring it to the other side of the world for the show at Wanaka!

Bf109G landing

The Hannas had rather mixed experiences with this aircraft, Mark had to make three dead-stick landings without benefit of engine power, and they also had problems with exhaust fumes in the cockpit.

You'll find much clearer and sharper Bf-109E photos on the Yankee Air Museum 2005 Airshow highlights page.