The Messerschmitt BF 109, also known as the ME 109, was perhaps the most famous fighter aircraft of the Luftwaffe. Developed during the first half of the 1930s by Wilhelm Messerschmitt and Robert Lusser. This fantastic fighter aircraft was characterised by its all-metal monocoque structure, an enclosed cabin, a fixed landing gear and a V-shaped aircraft engine with 12 inverted, water-cooled cylinders. The first examples of the Bf 109 appeared during the Spanish Civil War and remained in service until the end of the Second World War. During this period, the Bf 109 aircraft formed the main fighter force of the German Air Force. Towards the end of 1941, the Bf 109 was joined by the Focke-Wulf FW 190 aircraft. Together, they were a formidable pair of aircraft, a real nightmare for the Allies.