Inaccurate performance data for BOB fighters in COD comparing to RL data

[Kurfürst]

Originally Posted by Robo.

Oh, good info. It would be helpful to have a list of aircraft types actually present during the months of the BoB. I am aware that the number is just Neubaus and that only part of the new machines were assigned to the units in the Channel area. Same with E-1s being more common at the early stage - I suppose your list does not include pre BoB production of this subtype.

I agree it's nearly impossible to get the precise data with the amount of conversions and engine variants.

I only have detailed subtype breakdown for 31 August.

On 31 August 1940, fighter units (excluding JG 77) reported 375 E-1s, 125 E-3s, 339 E-4s and 32 E-7s on strength, indicating that most of the E-3s had been already converted to E-4 standard. By July, one Gruppe (Wing) of JG 26 was equipped with the Bf 109 E-4/N model of improved performance, powered by the new DB 601N engine using 100 octane aviation fuel.

As of 1 January 1941, the following 109 / N (DB 601N) subtypes were in service:

Bf 109E-1 : 16 pcs,
Bf 109E-3 : 1 pc,
Bf 109E-4 : 54 pcs,
Bf 109E-6 : 1 pc,
Bf 109E-7 : 34 pcs,
Bf 109E-8 : 2pcs.
Bf 109F-1 : 5 pcs.

Total 112 Bf 109E with DB 601N present in service, plus 5 Bf 109F.

Hooton gives lost % for the subtypes, which confirms that most E-3s were converted into E-4s (a small change in the internal of the MG FF to fire Mineshells, nevertheless the German designation system for a subtype changes when a change was done to radios, guns or engine or similar important internal). By August E-3 loss % were single digit, new-born E-4 losses increased accordingly. E-1 accounted to about 35-40%, E-4 to about 60% and E-7 were the rest.

Indeed conversions can make it difficult, as most early /N conversions were in the field, and by November droptanks were retrofitted. See attached picture of a JG 53 E-1. Given the simplicity of the 109 droptank installation (essentially a rack and compressed air lines from the supercharger, and a fuel line feeding the droptank into the main tank, no fuel pumps etc. involved) I guess most of the latter was made in the field as well.