[caldrail]

Thank you, LeBigTed!

That was a sentimental video for anyone interested in WW2, for sure - myself included. Even with simple maneuvers, I really got a sense of the fighter's power and agility.

One would think that having almost half the fuel gone by the time the pilot got over jolly ole England, the Bf-109s would be very nimble with the reduced weight. I have read for years that over 90% of fighter engagements were decided in 3 minutes or less between two or more aircraft, so I feel that the low fuel issue was not a much of a factor as many believe - unless a Bf-109 takes leaking damage to tanks or fuel lines.

It would be interesting to know how many or if this Bf-109 is on record with confirmed kills.


Clinton

The fuel issue was vital. A bg V12 engine (I don't the DB's capacity, but a comparable Merline was 28 litres) drinks fuel at a horrendous rate at high power settings, so when combat begins, the endurance of the 109 rapidly diminshes, and pilots were warned to keep an eye on their fuel gauges to make sure they went home with enough to cross the channel. It isn't just the potential for forced landings - it was also the potential for giving the enemy a gift of an enemy front line fighter and the loss of experienced aircrew.