Messerschmitt Me-109

Bf109E-7, Japan, 1941

Five Bf109s were sent to Japan, sans armament, for evaluation. While in Japan they received the standard Japanese hinomarus and yellow wing leading edges, as well as white numerals on the rudder. A red band outlined in white is around the rear fuselage. Study of the Bf109 in Japan led to the

design of the formidable Ki-61 Hein. The colors of the plane appear to be the standard RLM 74/75/76 scheme, with

medium mottling on the fuselage sides, probably including both RLM 74 and RLM 75 as well as RLM 02. It is possible that some or all of these planes were later repainted in standard IJAAF colors.

Caption and Drawing by Chris Banyai-Riepl from his upcoming book on the 109.

Photo submitted by Deniz Karacay. Source Unknown

Photo submitted by Chris Banyai-Riepl

Photo submitted by Chris Banyai-Riepl