WIX Archives

Re: WIX get mentioned in Aeroplane Monthly (again !!)

Posted by John S on Fri Aug 30, 2002 04:31:50 AM

In reply top Re: WIX get mentioned in Aeroplane Monthly (again !!) posted by Dave on Fri Aug 30, 2002 04:06:12 AM

Dave,

There are three piccies - very substantial airframe. Don't have a scanner so can't show you mate

Heres the news item in full
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Messerschmitt Bf 109E uncovered in India

Mystery warbird could be restored to become another airworthy "Emil"

A derelict Messerschmitt Bf 109E-1 has been found at a government yard in a remote part of southern India. The fighter is fairly complete, and certainly restorable, and it is hoped that it could even be put back in the air.
The Bf 109 was first discovered about five years ago by a scientist working in India's aerospace industry. While at a wedding of a friend, he was told that a dilapidated aircraft which had been displayed in a local town for several years was about to be scrapped.
The next day the wedding guest escorted the scientist to the Messerschmitt's resting place. It was sitting on its undercarriage legs, which someone had helpfully lashed together with an iron bracketto prevent collapse. The wings were attached, although the engine bearers had broken off and the engine had been dragged to a corner of the yard. The canopy and cowlings were missing.
By the time of the next visit, about three years ago, the Bf 109 had been further stripped, with mainwheels gone and wings removed. The fuselage had been dragged across the yard and dumped amongst old furniture, but happily the wings were nearby. The Diamler-Benz DB 601 engine had also been moved. The markings of 9/JG52/53 were noted on the tail.
The question remains: what is a '109 doing in a remote part of southern India? It is known that a '109E was sent to India during 1940-41 for display in Hyderabad, in recognition of the Nizam of Hyderabad's financial support for the RAF's No's 152 and 253 Squadrons during the Battle of Britain. The '109 is thought to have been shipped to India intact, reassembled, and flown in front of the loyal subjects of Nizam, before being damaged during a belly landing.
Only one genuine Bf 109 is currently airworthy: another E variant, NX81562

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Hope this is useful

John

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