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The Bf 109 appeared in 1935 and its direct adversary was the famous English Supermarine Spitfire. As the Spitfire, the Bf 109 was constantly improved. The final version didn't have anything in common with the prototype except the basic structure. The production continued without interruption from 1936 to 1945 with a total of more than 35 000 copies. The project of the 109 began the summer of 1934 in order to replace the biplanes Heinkel He 51 and Arado Ar 68. Inventors W. Messerschmitt and W. Rethels conceived the prototype with very simple objectives: to construct the smallest structure with the most powerful engine. It resulted in a streamlined monoplane with entirely metallic low wings, provided with a closed cockpit and retractable gears, propelled by a Rolls-Royce Kestrel V with 700 hp. After having undergone numerous modifications, the first Bf 109 produced (Bf 109B) left assembly lines in February 1937. The Bs were followed by the Cs, which had a more powerful armament. After the C came the D, which had a more powerful engine. The F version had an improved engine that made several changes to the line of the fuselage. This version appeared superior to the Spitfire Mk.V in high altitudes. The following group appeared in 1942 and was called the Bf 109G. This version of the plane had a Daimler Benz 1475 hp. engine. This growth of strength improved the armament and the general performances. The final version, the K, left the factories in 1945. Very agile and fast, the Bf 109K, with an engine of 2 000 hp, became a dangerous adversary.
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