MESSERSCHMITT ME-209 V4 (PROTOTYPE)

The Messerschmitt Me-209 was a single-seater sports plane, the so-called "Record-breaking" in the low wing configuration of the all-metal German construction. The drive was provided by a single Daimler-Benz DB601ARJ engine with a capacity of 1775 HP. The prototype flight took place in August 1938. The Messerschmitt Me-209, also often designated as Me-109 R, was created as a machine from the very beginning designed to break the world speed record in horizontal flight. To a large extent, the design of the Me-209 was based on the Me-109 D / E fighter, but the fuel supply was significantly reduced and all unnecessary elements for breaking the record (e.g. small arms) were removed. After many months of preparations, the goal was achieved on April 26, 1939, when Fritz Wendel accelerated the Me-209 to 755 km / h! The Luftwaffe very quickly used this record for propaganda purposes, and at the same time tried to adapt the Me-2089 to the role of a fighter (V-4 prototype), but they did not bring success.