Bf-109V31

Amodel 1:72.

The Bf-109F was what some would call the third generation of
the 109 family. Though powered by the same DB 601 engine of the earlier 109E
variant, the airframe had undergone a lot of aerodynamic improvement, which
resulted in greater speed. Though soon replaced by the heavier and more powerful
G model, the F continued on in training units and as test aircraft for various
Messerschmitt projects.

Soon after the F reached squadron service, it was seen that a
replacement would be needed. This was to be the Me-309 with many novel features,
such as tricycle landing gear (with a nose gear strut that twisted through 90º
during retraction, to a "flat" orientation under the engine), a retractable
coolant radiator, and a pressurized cockpit, which would have given it more
comfortable and effective high-altitude performance. Each of the new features
was first tested on a number of Bf 109F airframes, the V23 having a ventral
radiator, the V31 with radiator and tricycle landing gear, and the V30 having a
pressurized cockpit.