Messerschmitt Bf 109

[twr75]

From everything I've read, the F model was the ultimate fighter variant overall and they went downhill after that.

[Tillerman]

That is a great video of a great aircraft, Messerschmitt Man! I especially like the wistling sound produced by the kompressor.

Tillerman.

[kukkudrill]

From everything I've read, the F model was the ultimate fighter variant overall and they went downhill after that.

Hmm, not sure I'd agree with that. Reminds me of the argument that the Spit V or IX (according to different people) was the best and the Griffon-engined versions were overweight and overpowered. They may have been, compared to the Merlin versions, but the Mk V was already outclassed in 1942 due to its lack of speed and for the same reason the Mk IX in 1945 was like the Hurricane in 1940 - outmoded but still just able to hold its own. I expect the same could be said of the 109F from 1942/3 on. Constant modernisation was mandatory not optional, even if the outcome wasn't optimal in every respect. The only alternative (which was probably necessary for the 109 in 1944/5, but simply not available) would have been replacement with a completely new design.