Two Messerschmitt Bf 109s in flight, left G‑USTV (Bf 109G) in green/grey Luftwaffe scheme, right D‑HDME (HA‑1112 Buchon) in brown/tan Luftwaffe scheme — North Weald May 1995, photo Stuart H Bourne.
© Stuart H Bourne / Quality Aviation Photos International.
Messerschmitt Bf 109G (G‑USTV) and Hispano HA‑1112‑M1L Buchon (D‑HDME) photographed in close formation over North Weald during May 1995 by Stuart H Bourne. The left aircraft, G‑USTV, is an original German‑built Bf 109G fitted with a Daimler‑Benz DB series engine; the right, D‑HDME, is a Spanish‑built HA‑1112 Buchon which had been converted to run a Daimler‑Benz engine for display work in this period. The image captures wartime‑style Luftwaffe liveries applied to both airframes for airshow and film representation, showing clear identification cues such as cowling profile, exhaust placement, spinner shape, and fuselage codes.
Identification and technical notes — G‑USTV displays the slimmer, factory DB cowling and low exhaust stacks typical of original Daimler‑Benz powered Bf 109Gs. D‑HDME retains Spanish production airframe characteristics but, with the DB conversion, presents a close silhouette and sound profile to German examples; subtle differences in lower cowling contour and radiator arrangement remain useful for positive identification. Viewpoint in this photo is a medium telephoto three‑quarter formation shot emphasizing side and upper surfaces.
Provenance and collection history — Photographer: Stuart H Bourne; event: North Weald, May 1995. G‑USTV is recorded in post‑1990s preservation as an original German airframe later withdrawn from display and conserved to museum/static standard. D‑HDME circulated among European warbird collections and display operators after the 1990s and has undergone periods of restoration and ownership transfer. Both airframes have been used in film and airshow roles and are documented in the 1990s warbird circuit.
Why this image matters — The photograph documents a rare sighting of two airworthy Bf 109‑type aircraft operating with Daimler‑Benz power at the same event, providing valuable visual reference for restorers, historians, and enthusiasts comparing original German production features with Spanish HA‑1112 adaptations and engine conversion effects.
