VINTAGE FLYING MACHINES
FLYING MUSEUM
Messerschmitt Bf 108
The Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun (Typhoon) is a single-engine sport and touring aircraft designed and produced by the German aircraft manufacturer Bayerische
Flugzeugwerke (BFW). It was the first aircraft of its size to feature all-metal stressed
skin construction.
During 1933, the German aircraft manufacturer Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW)
received a contract from the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM/German Aviation Ministry)
to produce an aircraft to compete in the 4th Challenge International de
Tourisme (1934). The resulting aircraft, which was internally designated as M 37 and
subsequently received the official designation Bf 108, was a four-seat sports/recreation
aircraft designed by the aeronautical engineer Willy Messerschmitt.
In terms of its design, the Bf 108 represented a departure from many of the company's
existing design practices; foremost of which, it was the first aircraft of its size to use all-
metal stressed skin construction. The wing featured a patented single-spar design and
was equipped with both trailing edge flaps and leading-edge slots, the latter of which
deployed automatically when the aircraft neared stall conditions. Initially, all of the flight
control surfaces were hinged at their leading edges without any application of dynamical
balancing. The legs of the main undercarriage pivoted near the wingroot to retract
outwards into wells that almost entirely enclosed them. The aircraft was initially
powered by a 250 PS (247 hp, 184 kW) Hirth HM 8U 8.0 litre displacement, air-cooled
inverted-V8 engine, which drove a three-blade propeller.
By 1934, six aircraft had been produced. During spring 1934, the prototype Bf 108
conducted its maiden flight; the ensuring flight test program was relatively
smooth. Even during these early flights, the aircraft proved to be relatively safe yet
quick, possessing excellent low-speed flight characteristics and being pleasant to fly.
Furthermore, the aircraft's metal structure proved to be fairly maintenance-friendly.
During 1934, the first production-standard model, designated Bf 108A, made its first
flight. One year later, it was followed by the Bf 108B, which was powered by the
substantially larger, 12.67 litre displacement Argus As 10 air-cooled inverted V8
engine. [6] Various other design changes on this model include a revised fin shape,
elimination of the upper bracings of the tailplane, the adoption of a tailwheel in place of
a skid, and the dynamic balancing of both the elevator and rudder. Only a few Bf 108Bs
were completed prior to production of the type being transferred to a new plant
in Regensburg. Serial production proceeded at a pace; by 1942, in excess of 500
aircraft had been completed. Early on in the Second World War, the Bf 108 was
formally introduced to service with the Luftwaffe. As a military aircraft, the type was
primarily used as a personnel transport and liaison aircraft, ferrying pilots and personnel
between air bases. It was also operated by the Luftdienst, where it was typically used to
perform target towing and supply operations.
Later production was moved to Nord in occupied France. VFM’s Taifun is a German
built aircraft that was damaged during the war and brough to the Nord factory for
rebuild. In the early 1990s it was fitted with a Lycoming 540 engine. Our aircraft is
currently under restoration.