Jagdgeschwader 52 was a German World War II fighter Geschwader (wing) that exclusively used the Messerschmitt Bf 109 throughout the war. The unit originally formed near Munich in November 1938, then moved to a base near Stuttgart. JG 52 became the most successful fighter-Geschwader of the war, with a claimed total of more than 10,000 victories over enemy aircraft during World War II. It was the unit of the top three scoring flying aces of all time, Erich Hartmann, Gerhard Barkhorn and Günther Rall.
Luftwaffe aircraft flying in formation, 1937.
A Bf 109E, as would have been flown by JG 52. This particular Bf 109 is an E-3 type.
The Bf 109G6 of Gerhard Barkhorn as it would have appeared in September 1942.
A Bf 109E-1, whose markings indicate it as belonging to 7./JG 52.
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 is a German World War II fighter aircraft that was, along with the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, the backbone of the Luftwaffe's fighter force. The Bf 109 first saw operational service in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. It was still in service at the end of World War II in 1945. It was one of the most advanced fighters when it first appeared, with an all-metal monocoque construction, a closed canopy, and retractable landing gear. A liquid-cooled, inverted-V12 aero engine powered it. It was called the Me 109 by Allied aircrew and some German aces, even though this was not the official German designation.
Messerschmitt Bf 109
Messerschmitt Bf 109 V1
A drawing of the V1 prototype
JG 53 Bf 109E-3, c. 1939/1940
