Pacific Fighters ‘Messerschmitt Bf-109′ – Restoration Update.

The Erickson Aircraft Collection recently contracted Pacific Fighters to undertake an airworthy restoration of the Buchon, converting it to more closely resemble a Messerschmitt Bf-109G. 

While the Buchon and ‘109 are identical in most respects, there are some significant structural differences, particularly with the powerplant and its cowlings. Much of this was dictated by Hispano choosing the more available Rolls-Royce Merlin engine over the inverted-v Daimler-Benz DB605 engine of the earlier Bf-109. The engine choice dictated a radical change in the shape of the Buchon’s nose. 

Converting a Buchon to appear like a Bf-109 is relatively straight forward if you have a spare DB 605 lying around, but since the engine is as rare as hens teeth, and costs a small fortune to make airworthy even when available, Jack Erickson has opted to go a different route. 

Pacific Fighters is converting the Buchon to use an Allison V-1710 engine, but having an engine mount and exhaust system specially designed to perfectly mimic that of a Bf-109 once housed beneath the correctly profiled and detailed cowlings.

http://www.warbirdsnews.com/warbird-restorations/messerschmitt-bf-109-restoration-update.html