| Me 509 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Model picture Me 509 | |
| Role | Fighter aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Messerschmitt |
| Status | Unrealised project |
The Messerschmitt Me 509 was an all-metal fighter project underway in Germany during World War II.
Development[edit | edit source]
Not much information about this project has survived. It was based on the Me 309 but with the engine located behind a pressurized cockpit,[1] much in a similar manner as the US Bell P-39 Airacobra.
The engine was a Daimler-Benz DB 605B driving a three-blade propeller and armament was to consist of two 13 mm (.51 in) MG 131 machine guns and two 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons. The tricycle landing gear from the Me 309 was retained, which worked better on the 509 due to the lower weight on the nosewheel - the Me 309's front landing gear had collapsed during trials. The smaller nose would have improved visibility. The project was cancelled along with the Me 309,[2] but the Japanese made a similar aircraft, the Yokosuka R2Y Keiun, which suffered from engine overheating.
Specifications (as designed)[edit | edit source]
Data from Robert Schneider: Description Me 509, RS Models, Praha, Czech Republic
General characteristics
- Crew: 1, pilot
- Length: 9.94 m (32 ft 7 in)
- Wingspan: 11.27 m (37 ft)
- Height: 3.98 m (13 ft 1 in)
- Powerplant: 1 × Daimler-Benz DB 605B, 1,085 kW (1,455 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 760 km/h (472 mph)
Armament
- Guns: 2 × 13 mm (.51 in) MG 131 machine guns
- 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
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