The Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-5 was a high-altitude variant of Germany’s iconic World War II fighter, developed as part of the “Gustav” series of the Bf 109 line. Introduced in mid-1943, the G-5 was nearly identical to the G-6 but featured a pressurized cockpit to improve pilot performance at high altitudes—an advantage during interception missions against Allied bombers.
Powered by the Daimler-Benz DB 605A engine, the G-5 could reach speeds of over 640 km/h (398 mph) and was heavily armed, typically carrying a 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon firing through the propeller hub, and two 13 mm MG 131 machine guns above the engine. Some variants could also carry underwing cannons or bombs for ground attack.
The addition of the pressurized cockpit required structural modifications, such as a more robust canopy and changes to cabin sealing. However, these features added weight and complexity, limiting production. Fewer than 500 G-5s were built, as most production shifted to the simpler, non-pressurized Bf 109 G-6.
Although not produced in large numbers, the G-5 reflects the Luftwaffe’s efforts to adapt the aging Bf 109 design to meet evolving combat needs, particularly against high-flying American bomber formations over occupied Europe.
Technical Specifications
Manufacturer: Messerschmitt AG
Role: Fighter (high-altitude interceptor)
Crew: 1
First flight of G-series: Early 1942
Number built (G-5 variant): Approx. 475
Length: 9.02 m (29 ft 7 in)
Wingspan: 9.92 m (32 ft 6 in)
Height: 2.60 m (8 ft 6 in)
Wing area: 16.05 m² (172.75 ft²)
Empty weight: 2,730 kg (6,019 lb)
Loaded weight: 3,400 kg (7,495 lb)
⚙️ Powerplant:
Engine: Daimler-Benz DB 605A-1
Type: 12-cylinder, liquid-cooled, inverted Vee piston engine
Power output: 1,475 PS (1,455 hp / 1,085 kW)
Supercharger: Single-stage, variable-speed centrifugal type
Boost: Optional GM-1 nitrous oxide system for high-altitude power increase
✈️ Performance:
Maximum speed:
~640 km/h (398 mph) at 6,500 m (21,325 ft)
Service ceiling:
12,000 m (39,370 ft)
Range:
850 km (528 mi) with drop tank
Rate of climb:
17 m/s (3,350 ft/min)
Armament:
1 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon (firing through the propeller hub – Motorkanone)
2 × 13 mm MG 131 machine guns (mounted above the engine)
Optional underwing:
2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 gondola cannons (Rüstsatz VI)
1 × 250 kg or 500 kg bomb for fighter-bomber missions (Jabo roles)
Special Features (G-5-specific):
Pressurized cockpit (to improve high-altitude pilot performance)
Modified canopy and sealing systems
Heated windshield and oxygen system
Often fitted with GM-1 nitrous oxide injection for improved engine power at altitude
The Bf 109 G-5 was a specialized variant intended to counter high-flying Allied bombers. While production was limited compared to other “Gustav” types, it represents the Luftwaffe’s shift toward specialized fighter roles late in the war.
*******************************************************************************************************
Here’s a carousel of images featuring the Messerschmitt Bf 109 G‑5, Werknummer 15343—also marked “Black 11”. These photos show the restored wreck and composite reconstruction of this rare aircraft, now on display at the Vliegend Museum Seppe near Breda, the Netherlands.
Historical Snapshot of Bf 109 G‑5 Serial 15343 (“Black 11”)
Aircraft Background
Built in 1943 by Erla (Leipzig), this Bf 109 G‑5 was assigned to 5. Staffel, Jagdgeschwader 3 (JG 3), bearing the tactical code “Black 11” (Schwarze 11) Military Aviation Images ResourceAirHistorySilverHawk Author.
Loss Over the Netherlands (December 1943)
On 4 December 1943, while operating from Schiphol, the aircraft was shot down—reportedly by a P‑47 Thunderbolt of the 487th Fighter Squadron—crashing near Moerkapelle/Breda. The pilot, Kurt Sorssdorf, survived by bailing out. The wreck remained buried for the remainder of the war Military Aviation Images
crashed – tail stiking out, cut of by the german and buried with the aircraft
original paint mostly, orriginal added
Recovery and Restoration
The buried wreckage was recovered decades later, and restoration efforts were undertaken by Dutch aviation restorer Jan van Huuksloot. The rebuild includes salvaged original parts and newly fabricated components to create a faithful, static reconstruction of the G‑5 variant Military Aviation Images Resource+1JetPhotos.
Current Status
Today, Bf 109 G‑5 Wnr. 15343 is on display in the Vliegend Museum Seppe (also known as Aviation Museum at Seppe) near Breda Airport, and is believed to be the only surviving Bf 109 G‑5 in the world WikipediaAlles Uitleg VandaagJetPhotosSilverHawk Author.
Summary Table
Detail
Information
Built by
Erla, Leipzig (1943)
Unit / Code
5./JG 3, “Black 11”
Date lost
4 December 1943, shot down by P‑47 near Moerkapelle/Breda
Pilot
Kurt Sorssdorf (survived)
Recovery
Wreck buried post-crash, recovered and restored by Jan van Huuksloot
Current location
Vliegend Museum Seppe, Breda Airport
Unique status
Only surviving Bf 109 G‑5 variant
History
The Messerschmitt Bf 109G-5, serial number Wnr. 15343, is one of the rare surviving examples of the G-5 variant of Germany’s most famous World War II fighter aircraft. It was built in 1943 by Erla, a major aircraft manufacturer in Leipzig, as part of the G-series which featured improvements in engine performance and cockpit pressurization (a key feature in the G-5 subvariant).
This particular aircraft was assigned to 5. Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 3 (JG 3), a fighter wing of the German Luftwaffe. It was marked with the tactical number “Black 11.”
On December 4, 1943, while flying a mission from Schiphol Airfield in the Netherlands, the aircraft was engaged by American fighters. It was shot down near the Dutch town of Breda by a P-47 Thunderbolt of the 487th Fighter Squadron, part of the US Army Air Forces.
The German pilot, Kurt Sorssdorf, survived by bailing out of the aircraft. He landed safely, but the aircraft itself crashed near a farm. The wreck was only partially visible after the crash—only the tail fin stuck out of the ground. German forces later buried the rest of the wreckage to conceal it or clear the area.
Decades later, the wreckage of Bf 109G-5 Wnr. 15343 was recovered and eventually came into the hands of Dutch aviation restorer Jan van Huuksloot in the 1990s. A meticulous restoration process began, involving both the recovery of original parts and the creation of new components to faithfully reconstruct the aircraft to its wartime configuration.
Luftwaffe pilot Uffz. Kurt Sossdorf
Kurt Sossdorf was born in 1922 and was ranked Uffz, Unteroffizier, a junior non-commissioned officer in the Luftwaffe. He was with the 5./JG-3 Udet stationed at Volkel in December 1943. Kurt Sossdorf was shot down on 4 December, 1943 in his Bf 109G-5, with Werknummer 15343 marked Black 11, during aerial combat with a P-47 at Zuidermeer Holland, NW of Hoorn. Kurt bailed safely. This fuselage is restored and is in place at a restaurant at the Seppe Airport, between Breda and Roosendaal, Netherlands. Later that same day Kurt Sossdorf lost a second Bf 109, Wk 15943 also marked with a Black 11, at Bleiswijk Holland due to an unknown cause; again he bailed safely. Kurt Sossdorf has one known aereal victory, his first and only was a United Stated B-17 at Ratzlingen, East of Wolfsburg in Germany, on 29 April, 1944.
Location details
