Willy Messerschmitt

Wilhelm Emil Messerschmitt (June 26, 1898 – September 15, 1978) (known as "Willi" or "Willy") was a German aircraft designer and manufacturer. He was born in Frankfurt am Main, the son of a wine merchant. His stepfather was the American artist and Munich Academy Professor Carl von Marr.

Related Topics:
June 26 - 1898 - September 15 - 1978 - German - Aircraft - Frankfurt am Main - Munich Academy - Carl von Marr

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Probably Messerschmitt's single most important design was the Messerschmitt Bf 109, designed in 1934 with the collaboraton of Walter Rethel and which became the most important fighter in the Luftwaffe as Germany re-armed prior to World War II. To this day, it remains the most-produced fighter in history, with some 35,000 built. Another Messerschmitt aircraft, first called Me 109R but later re-designated Messerschmitt Bf 209, broke the absolute world air-speed record and help the world speed record for propeller-driven aircraft for several decades. His firm also produced the first jet-powered fighter to enter service — the Messerschmitt Me 262, although Messerschmitt himself did not design it.

Related Topics:
Messerschmitt Bf 109 - 1934 - Walter Rethel - Fighter - Luftwaffe - Germany - World War II - Messerschmitt Bf 209 - Jet-powered - Messerschmitt Me 262

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