| Me 209/Bf 109R | |
|---|---|
 Messerschmitt Me 209 V4 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Propaganda, Technology demonstration/Fighter |
| Manufacturer | Messerschmitt |
| Designer | |
| Number built | 4 |
| History | |
| First flight | 1 August 1938 |
The first Messerschmitt Me 209 was a single-engine racing aircraft which was designed for and succeeded at breaking speed records. This Me 209 was a completely new aircraft whose designation was used by Messerschmitt as a propaganda tool. Although the aircraft was designed only to break speed records, it was hoped that its name would associate it with the Bf 109 already in combat service.[1]
The designation Me 209 was given for propaganda purposes to cause confusion with the Messerschmitt Bf 109, the Luftwaffe's primary fighter throughout World War II. It was later reused for the actual proposed successor to the Bf 109.
- ^ Lepage 2009, p. 220.