STORMO! Hasegawa 1/48 Messerschmitt Bf.109 G4 by Angelo Battistelli

Hasegawa 1/48 Messerschmitt Bf.109G4
Italian Gustav
by Angelo Battistelli

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The G-4 preceeded the G-3 on the production line. The Bf 109G-4 was identical to the G-3 except that it lacked pressurization. The G-4/R-3, the standard fighter, equipped with a 300 litre drop tank for extended range, was a large scale production model.

The G-4 also was one of the two reconnaissance models of the Gustav series. Under the designation G-4/R-2 the engine mounted MG 151/20 was deleted and a Rb 50130 camera was installed in the fuselage behind the rear wing root. A 300 litre drop tank was normally carried. (F) 123 was known to have operated this version.

The G-4/R-6 was the first extensively produced Gustav to use the 20mm MG 151/20 cannon in under wing gondolas. Units known to have been issued aircraft carrying this armament are JG 3, JG 27 and JG 53, all of which operated against USAAF Bomber formations. The extra punch that the pair of underwing 20mm cannons provided was vital if fatal damage was to be done to these "heavies".[1]

VARIANTS Bf 109G-4/Trop
Rustsatze

At least eight rustsatze (some numbers were used twice) were planned for the G-4 although few saw service:

R-1 Fighter Bomber limited production
R-2 Fighter Bomber limited production
R-3 Reconnaissance-not produced
R-4 Reconnaissance-not produced
R-7 Limited fitting of OF equipment
R-2 Reconnaissance Fighter
R-3 Fighter
R-6 Heavy Fighter

R·2 Camera Installation

Source:
[1] Beaman, J. R. Jr. "Messerschmitt Bf.109 in action, Part 2", Aircraft Number 57, Squadron/Signal Publications, Carrollton Texas, 1983.

Bf 109G-4/R-3/Trop of IIIJG 27 carries the R-6 consisting of a pair of 20mm MG 151/20 cannons in underwing gondolas. This was primarily in response to the introduction of the USAAF "heavies", the B-17 and B-24, which required considerable damage to bring down. This aircraft is being manhandled into a dispersal space in Tunisia during the Spring of 1943. Note the sealant over the engine mounted gun apperture in the spinner.[1]

The Bf.109G-4 with the Regia Aeronautica
The Regia Aeronautica received 10 G-4. The Gustavs were mostly recent builds from February-March 1943 by Erla, MTT and WNF factories. Almost all Italian Bf.109s were delivered through the Bari Luftpark (air depot). The G-4 was concentrated in 150o Gruppo (363a, 364a and 365a Squadriglie) except for W.Nr.19758 which was on charge with the ANR 3a Sq., 1o Gr. C. at Aviano 23.1.45. Of note Bf.109G-4 W.Nr.19359 was flown by ten. U. Drago and shot down 9.7.43. Drago would survive the crash and go onto a distinguished career in the RA, ANR and post-war Alitalia airlines flying 747s.

The 10 ten G-4s are as follows:

W.Nr.16196	4D+XA, Stab/KG30. Con 364a Sq./150o Gr. used for training; RD per incidente prima del 1.7.43. Found by Allied troops S. Pietro/Biscari with German markings 7.43 ("wreck")
W.Nr.19359	150o Gr.18.4.43. 363a Sq./150o Gr. 23.5.43 ten. Drago abbatttuto 9.7.43.
W.Nr.19426	150o Gr.20.4.43. 364a Sq./150o Gr. 23.5.43 RD per incidente prima di volo prima del 1.7.43. 364-5, found by Allied troops Sciacca 7.43 ("fair conndition")
W.Nr.19541	150o Gr. 20.4.43. 365a Sq./150o Gr., RD per incidente prima del 1.7.43. 365-5, found by Allied troops S.Pietro 7.43 ("wrecked")
W.Nr.19563	363a Sq./150o Gr. 23.5.-17.43
W.Nr.19566	365a Sq./150o Gr. 23.5.-17.43 365-1, found by Allied troops Sciacca 7.43 ("fair but tail damaged")
W.Nr.19593	150o Gr. 19.4.43. 363a Sq./150o Gr. 23.5.-17.43
W.Nr.19594	150o Gr. 19.4.43. 363a Sq./150o Gr. 23.5.43, FU per incidente 5.43, Sciacca 27.5.43 found by Allied troops 7.43 ("fuselage damaged")
W.Nr.19595	150o Gr. 19.4.43. 365a Sq./150o Gr. 23.5.43, FU per incidente prima del 1.7.43. 365-6, Sciacca found by Allied troops 7.43 ("fair condition")
W.Nr.19758	3a Sq./1o Gr. C. Aviano 23.1.45 (ANR)

Source:
[2] Alegi G. and Gueli M., "Ali Straniere in Italia, Messerschmitt Bf.109 Italiani", La Bancarella Aeronautica, Torino, 2002.

Ground crew surround this Bf 109G-4/R6 of 364a Squadriglia. This unit operated two G-4s, one of which was used for training. This operational aircraft might therefore be W.Nr. 19426, coded 364-5.[2]

A G-4/R6 parked in a revetment possibly the same plane as above is set up for an undercarriage test by fitting support trestles under the fusleage. The underwing markings and the underwing 20mm gun pods can be seen very clearly.[2]

Construction

This is the 1/48 Hasegawa Messerschmitt Bf.109G-4 363a Squadriglia, 150o Gruppo, Sicilia, 1943.

Built out of the box, with only Eduard seatbelts added and after the typical paint scheme on RLM 78 RLM 79 with airbrush. I sprayed light gray to delete German insignias on all airplane surfaces and then applied Italian decals. Spinner cowling white spiral.

Cockpit Details:

Fuselage, Wings, Markings, Upper and Lower Surfaces:

Technical Data

Aircraft: Messerschmitt Bf.109G4
Manufacturer: Messerschmitt A. G.
Type: Fighter
Year: 1942
Engine: Damiler Benz DB 605A-1, 12-cylinder V, liquid-cooled 1,475hp
Wingspan: 32 ft 6 1/4 in (9.90m)
Length: 29ft 7 1/8 (8.84m)
Height: 8ft 2 ½ in (2.49m)
Weight: 6,834lb (3,095 kg) (Loaded)
Maximum Speed: 406mph (653 km/h) at 28,540ft (8,700m)
Ceiling: 39,370ft (12,000m)
Range: 528miles (850km)
Armament: 2 x MG 131 13mm machine guns, 1 x MG 151 20mm cannon
Crew: 1

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