Messerschmitt Bf 109

Designed by Willy Messerschmitt and Robert Lusser at what was to become Messersschmitt A.G., The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was one of the first truly modern fighters of the era. It first saw service during the Spanish Civil War and was still in service at the end of World War II and continued to serve many nations beyond 1945. It was developed for multiple roles including interceptor, bomber escort, fighter-bomber, day, night, all-weather fighter, ground-attack aircraft, and as reconnaissance aircraft. The 109 was the most produced fighter aircraft in history, with a total of 33,984 airframes produced from 1936 up to April 1945.