Although very well known, the aircraft shown in the following photos taken on April 18, 1940 has had descriptions that are invariably misleading ...

The Me109E-3 (CE+BM) WNr.1952 was used to test an in-flight towing device to provide more time for bomber escort over the target for the future Sea Lion operation: the invasion of Britain.

Piloted by Heini Dittmar, the Me109E-3 (CE+BM) WNr.1952 on April 18, 1940 was towed by a Me110C-1 (CE+BU) WNr.959 piloted by Hermann Wurster. The Me110C-1 towed the Me109E-3 from Augsburg to Munich-Riem, and then back to Augsburg with the Me109E-3's engine not running. Pilot Dittmar then started Me109E-3's engine & released the tow, & landed safely At Augsburg.


However, The tests were NOT continued in view of the development of the Me109E-7 variant capable of carrying a
300-liter fuel tank on the lower fuselage would therefore satify the increased duration escort requirement.

The bar that comes out of the hub of the propellor is where the Me109E-3 is hooked to the towing cable.

There are 4 letters on the Nose Near the Propeller Spinner indicated by the four letters G.Sch = Abbreviation for
Glykol-Schutzol which indicates where to replenish engine coolant and has nothing to do with the towing mechanism.

Later, modified to E-7, the Me109E-3 becomes Me109E-7 WNr.1952 & then had the code "White 15" based at
4.(Eins)/JGr.Drontheim, Norway; and will be lost due to technical trouble on October 8, 1941 off Bud, Norway.

Me109E-3 Me109E-3  (CE+BM)  WNr.1952  Towed  By
Me110C-1  WNr.0959
------------------------------------
Me109E-3 (CE+BM) WNr.1952 Flown By Heinrich 'Heini' Dittmar Flight Testing Prop Nose Towing Device By Being Towed By Me110C-1 (CE+BU) WNr.0959 Flown By Augsburg Test Pilot Hermann Wurster From Augsburg to Munich-Riem & Back & Me109E-3 Is Then Released To Successfully Land Alone At Augsburg, Germany April 18, 1940
[478x488]  (76K)