Messerschmitt Bf-109 E-4 ‘Rote 12’ | First Public Display × DB 601 Start | Flight Showcase

Experience the legendary Messerschmitt Bf-109 E-4 “Rote 12” in stunning detail — from the raw power of the Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine startup to its first public aerial display at Hahnweide grass runway, and culminating in a graceful landing and exclusive bonus footage!

🔹 Pilot: Charlie Brown – masterfully showcasing this historic fighter
🔹 Aircraft: Messerschmitt Bf-109 E-4 “Rote 12”
🔹 Location: Hahnweide Airfield (Grass Strip)
🔹 Bonus: Cold-start with restorer Dirk Bende and taxi to refuel

✈️ Why This Aircraft Is Special

This isn’t just any vintage warbird — it’s an authentic Messerschmitt Bf-109 E-4, powered by the iconic Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine, a revolutionary inverted V-12 liquid-cooled powerplant that gave the E-4 exceptional performance for its era.

🛠 Aircraft & Engine Specs
📍 Messerschmitt Bf-109 E-4 “Emil”
• Crew: 1 pilot
• Engine: Daimler-Benz DB 601 (in some examples the DB 601N) inline V-12
• Length: ~8.9 m / 29 ft
• Wingspan: ~9.9 m / 32.6 ft
• Empty Weight: ~2,247 kg
• Top Speed: ~560 km/h (~350 mph)
• Service Ceiling: ~11,000 m (~36,000 ft)
• Armament (historic config):
• 2 × 20 mm wing cannons (MG FF/M)
• 2 × 7.92 mm machine guns

🔥 Daimler-Benz DB 601 Engine Highlights
• Advanced direct fuel injection giving smoother throttle response
• Compact inverted layout aiding pilot visibility & aerodynamics
• A cornerstone of Luftwaffe fighter performance in early WWII

Type: Inverted V-12, liquid-cooled
Maximum Power Output: ≈ 1,100 hp (1,085 PS)
Displacement: 33.9 liters
Special Feature: Direct fuel injection (no carburetor cut-out in negative G)


🎥 What You’ll See in This Video

00:00 ✔ Intro and first time on the Airfield
00:27 ✔ Start of the authentic DB 601 engine
00:53 ✔ Ground taxi and grass takeoff at Hahnweide
01:09 ✔ Takeoff
01:35 ✔ First publicly shown flight demonstration
02:07 ✔ Beautiful aerial maneuvers by Charlie Brown
05:11 ✔ Lowpass and Roll
07:43 ✔ Landing
08:24 ✔ Coming in, Engine shutdown and Applause by the Fans

09:11 ✔ Bonus: Engine start with restorer Dirk Bende + taxi to the fuel pump

❤️ If You Enjoy Aviation History

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