The Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun (translated as Typhoon) is a single-engine aircraft designed for sport and touring purposes, manufactured by the German company Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW). It was notable for being the first aircraft in its class to incorporate an all-metal stressed skin structure.[1]
Design and development
In 1933, the German manufacturer Bayerische Flugzeugwerke received a commission from the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM, the German Aviation Ministry) to develop an aircraft intended to compete in the 4th Challenge International de Tourisme held in 1934.[1] Internally designated as M 37, this model was officially named Bf 108. It was a four-seat sports and recreational plane engineered by aeronautical designer Willy Messerschmitt.[2][3]
The Bf 108 marked a significant shift from previous company designs, being the first in its category to utilize an all-metal stressed skin construction.[1] Its wing incorporated a patented single-spar configuration and was fitted with trailing edge flaps as well as leading-edge slots that automatically engaged when approaching stall conditions. Initially, all flight control surfaces were hinged at their leading edges without dynamical balancing.[1] The main landing gear legs pivoted near the wing root and retracted outward into wells that nearly fully enclosed them.[1] Power was supplied by a 250 PS (247 hp, 184 kW) air-cooled inverted V8 engine, the Hirth HM 8U with an 8.0-litre displacement, turning a three-blade propeller.
By 1934, six units had been completed. The prototype's maiden flight took place in spring of that year, followed by a relatively trouble-free flight testing phase.[4] Early evaluations highlighted the aircraft’s safety, speed, excellent low-speed handling, and pleasant flying qualities. Additionally, its metal framework proved straightforward to maintain.[5]
The first production version, named Bf 108A, flew for the first time in 1934. It was succeeded in 1935 by the Bf 108B, which featured a larger powerplant: the air-cooled inverted V8 Argus As 10 engine with a displacement of 12.67 litres.[5] This variant also introduced several design modifications such as a reshaped vertical fin, removal of upper tailplane bracing, replacement of the tail skid with a tailwheel, and dynamic balancing of both elevator and rudder controls. Only a limited number of Bf 108Bs were manufactured before production shifted to a facility in Regensburg. Serial output increased significantly thereafter; by 1942, over 500 units had been assembled.[5]
The moniker Taifun—meaning "typhoon" in German—originated from pilot Elly Beinhorn, who named her personal aircraft thus; this nickname eventually became widely accepted.[6][5]
In 1941, plans emerged for the Bf 108C, envisioned as a high-performance variant equipped with the powerful supercharged Hirth HM 512 inverted V engine aimed at record-setting achievements.[7] Nevertheless, this model was superseded by the Me 208, a larger derivative incorporating numerous enhancements including retractable tricycle landing gear. Only two prototypes of this version were completed prior to the conclusion of World War II.[7]
Operational history
True to its intended role, the BF 108 took part in the 4th Challenge International de Tourisme. Although it did not secure top positions against several competitors, its attributes made it a favored aircraft for record-setting flights. Notably, it was recognized for its economical fuel usage, excellent handling qualities, and outstanding performance during takeoff and landing phases. Throughout the pre-war era, private aviators widely operated this model, including numerous flying officers within the Luftwaffe. The bulk of these aircraft remained under German ownership, but over 50 Bf 108Bs were also exported to nations including Bulgaria, Hungary, Japan, Romania, Switzerland, Yugoslavia, and the Soviet Union.
The Bf 108’s presence at various international events enhanced Messerschmitt’s standing alongside the broader German aviation industry. During the mid to late 1930s, it frequently appeared at air rallies, often finishing in first or second place at contests such as the 1937 Oases rally in Egypt and the 1938 Belgian Queen Astrid Race. In July 1939, one unit set a new altitude class record by reaching 9,075 m (29,774 ft).
With the onset of World War II, the Bf 108 was officially inducted into Luftwaffe service. Its primary military functions involved personnel transportation and liaison duties, facilitating movement of pilots and staff between airfields. Additionally, the Luftdienst utilized the aircraft mainly for target towing and logistics support. Notably, a Bf 108 was involved in the Mechelen Incident, and another served with the small long-range bombing unit Sonderkommando Blaich operating in Africa.
Midway through the war, manufacturing shifted from Germany to Les Mureaux in occupied France. Postwar, these production facilities were acquired by French manufacturer SNCAN, which continued producing the aircraft under the designation Nord 1000 Pingouin. Many postwar cinematic representations of the Bf 108 have featured these French-built variants, including both the Pingouin and the further refined Nord Noralpha.
This initial model was developed in 1934 specifically for participation in Challenge 1934. Six units were produced equipped with the Hirth HM 8U engine; one additional aircraft initially featured a 220 PS (217 hp, 162 kW) Argus As 17B inline engine before being fitted with a 160 PS (158 hp, 118 kW) Siemens-Halske Sh 14 radial engine.
Bf 108B
An updated version introduced from late 1935 onwards. The prototype utilized a Siemens-Halske Sh 14A radial engine, but production models were powered by either a 240 PS (237 hp, 177 kW) Argus As 10C or a 270 PS (266 hp, 199 kW) Argus As 10E engine. Design changes included replacing the rectangular rear window with a quadrant-shaped one, substituting the tail skid with a tailwheel, modifying empennage contours, and eliminating upper tailplane bracing.
Bf 108C
A proposed high-speed variant intended to be powered by a 400 PS (395 hp, 294 kW) Hirth HM 512 engine. It is unlikely that this version was ever constructed.
Me 208
An enlarged and enhanced model featuring retractable tricycle landing gear. Two prototypes were developed by SNCAN (Nord) in France during wartime. Following World War II, Nord resumed production under the name Nord Noralpha.
A continuation of Bf 108 manufacture carried out during and after WWII by SNCAN in France. This lineage included minor updates seen in the Nord 1001 and an engine change to Renault powerplants in the Nord 1002.
Royal Air ForceFile:Messerschmitt Bf108.jpgRAF Aldon incorporated four Bf 108s, designated "Messerschmitt Aldon," which were requisitioned from civilian owners at the outbreak of war. These aircraft were reportedly the fastest light communication planes within RAF service but were occasionally confused with Bf 109 fighters, though no fatal incidents occurred. After the war, an additional fifteen captured Bf 108s continued flying with RAF markings until the mid-1950s.
United States Army Air Corps acquired a single Bf 108B in early 1939 for $14,378, assigned the designation XC-44. This aircraft was exclusively used by the US air attaché stationed in Berlin. By November 1941, it was deemed unserviceable and was subsequently confiscated by the Nazi authorities following hostilities commencing in December.
Grey, C.G., Messerschmitt Bf 108, in Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 1938, David & Charles, London, UK, 1972, ISBN 0-7153-5734-4
Nowarra, Heinz J., Die Deutsche Luftrüstung 1933–1945 Vol.3 – Flugzeugtypen Henschel-Messerschmitt, Bernard & Graefe Verlag, Koblenz, Germany, 1993, ISBN 978-3-7637-5467-0
Smith, J. Richard, Messerschmitt: An Aircraft Album, Ian Allan, London, UK, 1971, ISBN 978-0-7110-0224-1
Smith, J. Richard and Kay, Anthony, German Aircraft of the Second World War, Putnam & Company Ltd., London, UK, First Edition, 1972, ISBN 0-370-00024-2
Further reading
Craig, James F., The Messerschmitt Bf. 109, Arco Publishing Company, New York, US, 1968
Cross, Roy and Scarborough, Gerald, Messerschmitt Bf 109 Versions B-E (Classic Aircraft No. 2, Their History and How to Model Them), Patrick Stevens, London, UK, 1972, ISBN 0-85059-106-6
Feist, Uwe, The Fighting Me 109, Arms and Armour Press, London, 1993, ISBN 1-85409-209-X
Hitchcock, Thomas H., Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun (Monogram Close-Up 5), Monogram Aviation Publications, Acton, Massachusetts, 1979, ISBN 0-914144-05-7
Kulikov, Victor, "Des occasions en or pour Staline, ou les avions allemands en URSS," in Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire, March 2000 issue no.84, pp.16–23; translated as "Golden Opportunities for Stalin, or German Aircraft in the USSR," ISSN 1243-8650
Kulikov, Victor, "Des occasions en or pour Staline, ou les avions allemands en URSS," Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire, April 2000 issue no.85, pp.44–49; ISSN 1243-8650
Lucchini, Carlo, "Le meeting saharien de 1938," Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire, April 1999 issue no.73, pp.53–57; translated as "The 1938 Sahara Air Meeting," ISSN 1243-8650
Sinnhuber, Karl, Salzburg To Stalingrad, lulu.com, Milton Keynes, UK, 2012, ISBN 9781471702228
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