The Messerschmitt 109TL Turbo-Lader Strahltriebwerk ("turbocharger jet engine") was an alternative design proposed as a back-up for the Messerschmitt Me 262.

Development

It was first proposed on January 22 1943 at an RLM conference; at the time only three prototypes of the Me 262 had been completed. The Me 109TL would be a backup if the Me 262 did not come to production or as a second fighter to operate alongside the 262.

In order to reduce development time various components from previous aircraft were to be used. The fuselage was to come from the Me 109H/BV 155B high-altitude fighter (with a new nose and tail section), the wing was from the Messerschmitt Me 409 project and the tricycle undercarriage came from the Messerschmitt Me 309. The powerplant would be the same Junkers Jumo 004B-1 turbojet (900 kg thrust) or BMW 003A (800 kg).

The basic armament was to be two MG 151/20 20 mm cannon (with 120 rounds each) and two MK 103 30 mm cannon mounted in the nose. An additional proposal was two MK 108 30mm cannon to be installed in the wing roots. The pilot cockpit used in the prototypes was the same as utilized in the Me Bf 109E/G types.

The performance was estimated to be possibly better than the Me 262 due to the Me 109 TL's narrower fuselage; a product of the design for a high speed high altitude fighter. The Me 109TL received intensive research. By March 1943 it was decided that it many other modifications to components would be needed and the project was abandoned in order to concentrate on the Me 262 project.

Specification (Me 109TL)

See also