             The Messerschmitt Bf109E-7/Tropical

The Bf109E-7 differed from the Bf109E-4/N only in that it had
a rack for either a 79 gallon drop tank or a 551 pound SC 250
bomb beneath the centerline.  The tropicalized version was
first delivered to I/JG 27 in North Africa.  This consisted
of adding a dust filter over the superchanger air intake, and
the provision of desert survival gear, including a carbine.
A further modification was the /U2 which was an additon of
5mm of armor to the oil cooler, radiators and fuel pump to
help protect them from ground fire.  Armament consisted of
two cowling mounted MG17 7.9mm machineguns with 1000 rounds
per gun and two wing mounted MG FF 20mm cannon with 60 r.p.g.
Top speed was 348 mph at 13,120 feet, with a range of 410
miles.  Cruise speed was 300 mph, and the ceiling was 34,450.

TO USE THIS PLANE: This plane has no unusual characteristics
or devices other that the choice between a drop tank, a 551
pound bomb, or no attachment for the centerline.

Created by Gregory M. "Sturmer" Smith
 
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