Why The Me 309 Project Was Quickly Scrapped

The Messerschmitt Bf-109 was the Luftwaffe’s main fighter during WWII. It was built in unmatched numbers and remains the most-produced fighter aircraft in history.

However, the Bf-109 still had its limitations. This led to several proposals to replace the Bf-109 with more advanced aircraft.

The Me-309

Messerschmitt conducted several research programs in 1941 and used the Bf-109Fs to test the new technologies.

Its first flight took place on the 18th of July but had several issues. On paper, it had a power advantage since it was equipped with a Daimler-Benz DB603 engine – the biggest 12-cylinder aero engine that Germany placed into a combat aircraft.

The result, however, was mixed. The Me-309 was quicker than the Bf-109 but not as maneuverable.

The top speed of this aircraft was between 405 mph and 496 mph depending on the source and what altitude the plane was projected to fly at.

Nothing Special?

The Fw-190D was at pre-production at this point, and being field tested by combat units. The Me 309 offered nothing special than this aircraft.

Worse, the Bf-109G can carry almost as heavy an armament as the Me 309 and slightly slower speeds and was already in production. Thus, the Me 309 project was scrapped.

The three remaining Me 309s remained as technology test beds, used to test improved components such as pressurized cabins and landing gear.

These would be used on a plane that was offering to change everything- the Me 262. It helped lay the groundwork for the next generation of fighter aircraft.