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Messerschmitt Bf-109E

By Stacey (Dagger 117) Elrod - 17th Mar 2008
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Shockwave has released an excellent vintage German fighter. As usual they have put a lot of work in to this model giving it accurate flight characteristics and great looks. If you like vintage fighters, you’ll want to add this bird to your collection.

Brief History Lesson (compliments of wikipedia.com)
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was a German World War II fighter aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt in the early 1930s. It was one of the first true modern fighters of the era, including such features as an all-metal monocoque construction, a closed canopy, and retractable landing gear. The Bf 109 was produced in greater quantities than any other fighter aircraft in history, with a wartime production (September 1939 to May 1945) of 30,573 units. Fighter production totaled 47% of all German aircraft production, and the Bf 109 accounted for 57% of all fighter types produced. 2,193 Bf 109 A-E were built prewar, from 1936 to August 1939, with additional 1,000 or so postwar as license built Avia S-99/S-199 and Hispano Aviación HA-1109 and HA-1112 Buchon

On with the Review
The only issue this plane has is with FSX SP2 (Service Pack 2) With SP2 the plane experiences what I call an “invisible propeller” that makes a whole in the clouds and scenery. I visited Shockwave’s forums in search of an update, but unfortunately they haven’t finished it yet. It will be on its way soon which is great news. Other than the invisible prop, this aircraft is flawless. The virtual cockpit (VC) is absolutely perfect as are all of Shockwave’s planes. The habits of this plane have been captured nicely and I would have to say they did and outstanding job with the engine sound.

Here is what you get:
3 different models and 3 paint schemes
Bf-109E “Ace of Spades”
Bf-109E-3 “I/JG53 from 1939”
Bf-109E-4 Tropical “3/JG27 form Libya 1941”

The PRO’s
You get three beautiful and very accurate vintage aircraft as well as the perfect VC, and awesome sound. The “invisible prop” issue is not effected from inside the cockpit. The aircraft share the same flight and taxi characteristics of the real deal, and you get a short and to the point updated flight manual. The variable pitch prop has an adjustment to go from 22.5 degrees to 90 (feathered) adding that extra bit of realism; a great deal for about $19.

The CON’s
The “invisible prop” issue can be annoying if you like to see external views of your aircraft in flight, and no paint kit was included.

In Conclusion
I think that Shockwave has produced another great aircraft for FS9/FSX. It has an issue with SP2 and the prop, but rest assured the boys at Shockwave will get it figured out and release the update as soon as they can. It is a great flying aircraft that will give the virtual pilot an outstanding experience in a simulated vintage fighter. Until the update is released I can only give it 7 out of 10.

*This aircraft was tested on a PC with a 3.2GHz Intel Pentium dual core processor, 4GB of ram, 512MB ATI 1900XT video card, and Saitek X52 Pro control system.