The Correct Designation for Germany’s WW2 Messerschmitt Aircraft: Bf or Me?

The correct designation for Germany’s World War II Messerschmitt aircraft is a topic that often sparks discussion among aviation enthusiasts. This article will delve into the origins of these designations and why they were used for different aircraft throughout the war.

Understanding the Designations: Bf and Me

When referring to Messerschmitt's aircraft during World War II, you might encounter designations such as Bf and Me. Both of these abbreviations are notations for different aircraft types and production runs, each holding unique significance in the history of World War II aviation.

Bf Designation

Bf stands for Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG (Bavarian Aircraft Works). During the early years of the war, many Messerschmitt aircraft carried the Bf designation. For example, the iconic Bf 109 and the innovative Bf 110 fighter-bombers were all produced under this label. The Bf designation was used for aircraft that were designed and produced by Bayerische Flugzeugwerke before Messerschmitt acquired the company.

Me Designation

Me stands for Messerschmitt-B?lkow-Blohm (a later company owned by Willy Messerschmitt). After Messerschmitt took over the BFW company and renamed it after himself, new designs received the Me designation. For instance, the Me 262 jet fighter, which was one of the first jet-powered fighters to enter service in large numbers, was designated using the Me prefix. It's important to note that the old Bf designs retained their original designation, even after the company name change.

The Evolution of Designations and Production Locations

The choice of Bf or Me designation wasn't just based on the design or function of the aircraft. It also depended on where the aircraft was produced. For instance, if a Bf 109 was manufactured in Augsburg, it would carry the Bf designation. However, if the same model was produced by another company like Erla in Leipzig, it might carry the Me designation. This practice was rooted in the company's ownership and production locations.

The Role of the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM)

During World War II, the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM), or Air Ministry, was responsible for standardizing and regulating the identification of aircraft. For example, the Model 55 aircraft, designed by various companies, received its numbers from the RLM. The Bf designation appeared in 1927 when Willy Messerschmitt merged with Bayerische Flugzeugwerke to avoid bankruptcy. By 1938, Messerschmitt had taken full control of the company and requested a change in the company’s abbreviation to reflect his name. However, this change only applied to future designs; existing models continued to use the Bf designation.

Examples of Bf and Me Aircraft

Some notable examples of Messerschmitt aircraft designated as Bf and Me include:

Bf 109: A highly successful fighter aircraft that played a significant role in Luftwaffe operations. Initially produced by Bayerische Flugzeugwerke, it carried the Bf designation. Me 109: Long-range fighter aircraft manufactured by Erla, it carried the Me designation, reflecting its production by a different company. Bf 163: A prototype fighter plane that competed with the Fieseler Storch. While it was designed by Messerschmitt, it retained the Bf designation due to its earlier production. Me 262: The first operational jet fighter plane, which carried the Me designation as it was produced after Messerschmitt’s acquisition of BFW.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why do some aircraft have Bf and others Me designations?

A: The Bf or Me designation primarily reflects the company that produced the aircraft. Early designs (Bf) were produced by Bayerische Flugzeugwerke, and later ones (Me) were produced after the company was renamed Messerschmitt.

Q: Was the change of designation made due to a different ruler of the company?

A: Yes, the change from Bf to Me was a symbolic change reflecting Messerschmitt’s personal control over the company and its designs. However, existing designs continued to use the original designation.

Q: How did the choice of Bf or Me affect the aircraft's production and function?

A: The choice of designation did not significantly impact the aircraft's production or function. It was more about standardizing company identity and production locations.

Understanding the Bf and Me designations helps to differentiate between various Messerschmitt aircraft and appreciate the history and evolution of German wartime aviation. This knowledge is crucial for aviation enthusiasts and historians alike as they navigate the complex world of World War II aircraft designations.