Model Forum / General / Models / June 2006

Well, that IS strange.

It's the Fieseler - Skoda FiSk 199 with a LONG crutch type wheel
mounted under the fuselage a couple feet behind the cockpit. The
object was to increase ground clearance for a large centrally mounted
bomb. Threre's a photo of it in Hitchcock's "Messerschmitt O-Nine
Gallery" on page 77. No discussion about the design other than "At
least two examples converted to a Fiesler design at the Skoda Works. "

With such a close coupled "tail wheel", I'll bet it was a wild ride
taxiing! Some late model G's and K's had a much simpler solution - a
long tail wheel strut.

The designation is curious. I wonder if it was any connection to the
later Czech Avia C 199.

Greg Reynolds, IPMS

   I think A-Model or one of the other short-run mfrs. offered this
a/c some time back as well.

FWIW   The underwing tank arrangement was used on a couple of
reconnaissance variants of the 109, seems that would be more interesting
than this experimental bomb carrying version. Of course we will also
have to add the camera installation under the fuselage.

                            Bill Shuey

The aircraft depicted is one of 10 produced as Bf 109G-2/R1 as prototypes
for a Jabo-Rei or long range fighter bomber. Although the trials were
successful the Fw 190 was used to fulfil the role with the Fw 190 G.
The "third" leg was not an extended tail wheel but an actual undercarriage
leg which was jettisoned after take off. the leg was parachuted back to the
ground for use again.
I can understand why the Fw 190 G would be a better option as the logistics
in retrieving and installing the third undercarriage leg would be far
greater than the use of a less radical approach to the problem that was
achieved with the Fw 190 G.

Hope this helps

Gondor