Bf-109G variant identification.

[David_4555]

Hello. Does anyone know what variant of 109G this is? It is taken on a Romanian Air Force airfield in Hungary in 1944-45. Romania used the Bf-109G-2/Ga-2, G-4/Ga-4 and G-6/Ga-6. This machine is clearly fitted with an Erla Haube, indicating that it is at least a G-6. However, I don't see any MG bulges on the cowling. Could be because of the low quality, or because I'm blind. Or could it be a German G-6AS/G-14AS/G-10/K-4 captured on the ground? Any ideas welcome 

 

Source: 

Spoiler

 

 

[sevenless]

As per the bulges on the cowling and the Erla-hood, I'd go with either G6-late or G-14. Timeframe (late 44 onwards) make a G14 most likely. G-10 and G6/AS or G14/AS and K4 can be excluded due to the bulge on the cowling.

 

If it is a romanian plane then I'd say G6-late, if german I'd say G14. IIRC romania received no G14s.

Edited December 31, 2023 by sevenless

[David_4555]

I don't see any bulges though. My bet is that it's a G-6 early w/ Erla Haube and i'm just too blind.

Edit: i might see a bulge? not sure yet though

Edited December 31, 2023 by David_4555

[sevenless]

21 minutes ago, David_4555 said:

My bet is that it's a G-6 early w/ Erla Haube and i'm just too blind.

 

G6 with Erla (early, medium, late) you never know without more context. Bulge is clearly seen between canopy and MG 131 fairings. Circular structure there.

 

Spoiler

 

https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=4843

Edited December 31, 2023 by sevenless

[David_4555]

3 minutes ago, sevenless said:

 

G6 with Erla (early, medium, late) you never know without more context. Bulge is clearly seen between canopy and MG 131 fairings. Circular structure there.

True. I'm just basing that off the planes i've seen. Alexandru Serbanescu's plane in Summer 1944 was a G-6 late (Tall tail) with classic canopy. But that's the only Romanian 109 I've seen with a Tall tail which is synonymous with later planes. There is also Red 1 of Ion Galea which is a tall tail with an Erla Haube. Most Romanian 109's seem to have been early ones though, so it probably is one too. Can't be certain ofc, but imo it's an alright guess. One thing is certain though: it's not a Romanian-built Ga-6 as I don't believe any of them received Erla Haubes. 

 

These are only a few examples ofc, but I don't believe there is much information on this subject. 

 

[sevenless]

No, I think we can exclude the romanian built Ga-6 variant with its specific bulges. At least I can't identify those in the flic. Erla canopies were retrofitted to all G6 variants during 1944, even to former G5 planes, so Erla canopy alone doesn't tell you much about the planes true identity.

[David_4555]

I know. But considering few Ga-6's were delivered before the coup of August 44, if any at all, I doubt they would've been given Erla Haube's at any time, as unless Romania had surplus ones in stock, they wouldn't have been able to obtain more since the Germans were now ennemies. According to the book "Romanian Fighter Colours 1941-1945", "In early summer 1944 the IAR factory delivered the first series (licence-built) of 15 BF 109Ga-4s with the serial numbers 300 to 315. The remaining 60 airframes with the serial numbers 316 to 375 were Bf 109Ga-6s. These were delivered as follows: 10 in 1944, 21 in 1945, 12 in 1946 and 24 in 1947." And if the following drawings are anything to go by, they were not upgraded post-war either. So I'm 99% confident that it is a German-built G-6 of some sorts.