Extremely rare German Luftwaffe Bf-109F-4/TROP, Werk No 8694, Messerschmitt, Built in September 1941

Extremely rare German Luftwaffe Bf-109F-4/TROP, Werk No. 8694, Messerschmitt fighter aircraft, Built by Erla in September 1941, interestingly, it was the very next aircraft following Hans-Joachim Marseille's (Star of Africa) famous WNr 8693, "Gelbe 14".

Of the aircraft recovered, only a tiny number have been in complete condition. This historic aircraft is genuinely unique in that it was recovered in its full original, as constructed condition. Most recovered aircraft are either in a totally crashed condition or damaged with explosives after landing.

The coat of arms (green four-leaf clover) on the left side of the engine hood showed the aircraft was part of II./Jagdgeschwader 5 named. The black color of the tail number indicated the plane was part of the fifth squadron (5. Staffel), second group.

This Bf 109F-4/Trop is one of only 1,841 F-4s built and one of only 576 Trop-built, making it an exceptionally rare aircraft.

The Messerschmitt 109 was a German fighter aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt and Robert Lusser during the 1930s. It was one of the first truly modern fighters of the era, featuring such innovations as all-metal monocoque construction, a closed canopy, retractable landing gear, and a liquid-cooled, inverted V-12 aero engine. The Bf 109 series was the second most-produced fighter aircraft in history, with a total of 33,984 airframes produced.

The Bf 109 F model was significantly improved aerodynamically and was considered by many to be the high-water mark of Bf 109 development.

Wing span 9.92 m, Length 8.9 m, Height 2.6 m, Weight, gross 2,900 kg, maximum speed 659 km, engine Daimler Benz DB 601. Armament consisted of twin MG-17 machine guns and a 20mm cannon shooting though the propeller spinner.

This aircraft would be an excellent choice for either a complete airworthy restoration. As more than 60% of the plane can be used in the restoration, it would qualify as an original restored aircraft, rather than a rebuild, making it highly sought after by collectors and aviation enthusiasts.

Or as a diorama of an 84-year-old, WW II fighter aircraft shot down and landing on a frozen lake or ground in a winter setting, preserved to showcase in its original glory.

Condition of aircraft:

Main fuselage: data plate on left aide, no crash damage, holes are evident, made by either cannon fire or machine guns, and corrosion. Some damage was caused at the bottom of the fuselage when it slid along the ice on landing. The identification lettering is visible on either side of the fuselage. The cockpit is intact, with no damage except for parts made of Electron. Right wing, undamaged but shows corrosion spots on the upper skin of 1 – 4cm in size. Left wing, undamaged but shows corrosion spots on the upper skin of 1 – 4cm in size, the wing tip leading edge damaged. Leading-edge slats are undamaged. Control surfaces are missing fabric, but there is no damage. The main landing gear is undamaged, the fairs are intact, the brakes are complete, and the tires still contain air. Tail gear, complete and undamaged, tire has air. Propeller blades bend back, propeller spinner and back section intact. The engine is complete, with a 10 cm hole in the block on the right side, repairable. Exhaust stacks are undamaged. Full set of electrical boxes with lettering and data plates. The electrical wiring is corroded, but can still be used as patterns, along with various types of tubing. The upper engine cowl is undamaged, and the lower engine cowl has minor damage. Access plates intact. Machine gun cutouts are made of steel and exhibit corrosion. The vertical fin has some shrapnel damage and has a partial swastika showing. The horizontal stabilizer is complete. Aircraft accessories, including oxygen bottles, oil, and glycol tanks, remain undamaged. All parts that were on the aircraft when it was operational are intact.

A thorough review of the extensive set of photographs will provide the viewer with a comprehensive evaluation of the aircraft.

See the condition in the photos. Aircraft are located within the European Union. For any inquiries regarding participation, additional photos, descriptions, or to arrange a viewing, please contact us by email at support@costablancaauctions.com