BF108

The Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun, a product of Messerschmitt, is a multipurpose trainer aircraft first flown on June 13, 1934. This cantilever low-wing aircraft was initially equipped with Hirt HM 8U engines or an Argus As 17B engine, with later modifications like the 'B' variant featuring an 8-cylinder V-shaped inverted piston Argus As 10C air-cooled engine producing 240 hp.

Key specifications include a wingspan of 10.50 m, a wing area of 16.40 m², and a length of 8.30 m. It has a maximum speed of 300 km/h, a cruising speed of 262 km/h, and a service ceiling of 4800 m. The aircraft can carry a payload of 3 passengers and has a service range of 950 km.

In Luftwaffe service, the Bf 108B/D models were primarily used as messengers. Variants like the Bf 108B-2/trop were adapted for North African use. The aircraft also served in auxiliary roles with the "German Air Service" (Deutsche Luftdienst) and in aviation schools, often for messenger duties rather than training.

Bf 108s were exported widely, serving with the Hungarian, Yugoslav, Swiss, Romanian, Japanese, and Soviet Air Forces. The United States acquired three units designated XC-44 for military and naval attachés. Chile also operated a Bf 108B, and several were confiscated by the British government during WWII, operating briefly in the RAF as "Eldon" before being retired due to confusion with the Bf 109.