The Messerschmitt Bf 109, designed in collaboration with Walter Rethel, became the most critical fighter aircraft for the Luftwaffe and remains the second most-produced warplane in history. With approximately 34,000 units built, this aircraft cemented the reputation of German engineer Willy Messerschmitt, whose professional path was defined by both technical innovation and volatile shifts within the Reich Aviation Ministry.
Early Education and Glider Development
Born in 1898 in Frankfurt, Wilhelm Emil Messerschmitt demonstrated an early interest in aviation by constructing model airplanes and gliders. During his youth in Bamberg, he began a long-standing association with sailplane pioneer Friedrich Harth. After serving in the military in 1917, Messerschmitt studied at the Technical University of Munich. His collaboration with Harth led to the creation of the S8 glider, which achieved a world duration record in 1921. That same year, he produced his first independent design, the S9 glider.
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Following his graduation in 1923, Messerschmitt established an aircraft firm in Augsburg. His company initially focused on sailplanes before diversifying into sports and touring aircraft like the M 17 and M 18. In 1927, the Bavarian state government facilitated a merger between his firm and Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW). The subsequent M20 light transport project proved disastrous, suffering high-profile crashes that resulted in company bankruptcy by 1931 and created a lasting professional rivalry with Erhard Milch, the future deputy head of the Reich Aviation Ministry.
Military Contracts and Wartime Production
The establishment of the Reich Aviation Ministry in 1933 allowed for the revival of BFW. Collaborating with Robert Lusser, Messerschmitt designed the Bf 108, which integrated advanced features later adapted for the Bf 109 fighter. By 1938, he became chairman and managing director of the company, renamed Messerschmitt AG. During the war, the firm produced the Me 210 and the Me 262, the latter being the first jet-powered fighter to enter active service. Despite his technical successes, he faced recurring scrutiny from the government, including a 1941 blacklist from contracts and investigations into his use of forced labor.
Post-War Career and Later Life
Following Germany's defeat, Messerschmitt was convicted of collaboration with the Nazi regime in 1948. He spent several years working in Spain before returning to his home country in 1955. He resumed his role as director of Messerschmitt AG until his retirement in 1970. Throughout his career, he received various honors, including an honorary doctorate from the Technical University of Munich, the Bavarian Order of Merit, and the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. He died in 1978 in Munich and was buried at the Hauptfriedhof Bamberg.
Fast facts
- Born: 1898, Frankfurt
- Died: 1978, Munich
- Education: Technical University of Munich
- Key Aircraft: Bf 109, Me 262, Me 210
- Company: Messerschmitt AG
- Burial Site: Hauptfriedhof Bamberg
Questions readers ask
What was the result of the Me 210 development?
The aircraft suffered from significant development issues and was eventually evolved into the Messerschmitt Me 410.
Did Messerschmitt hold any aviation records?
Yes, his Bf 109R, later known as the Me 209, set an absolute world airspeed record and remained the fastest propeller-driven aircraft until 1969.
Achievements
- Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Bavarian Order of Merit
- Affiliated with Technical University of Munich
- Educated at Technical University of Munich
- Worked as aerospace engineer, engineer and university teacher
