Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun
Germany · Interwar (1919–1938)
The Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun ("Typhoon") was a German four-seat single-engine touring aircraft — one of the first all-metal stressed-skin monoplane sport aircraft + the direct technological predecessor of the Bf 109 fighter. Willy Messerschmitt designed the Bf 108 in 1933-1934 at Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW); the prototype first flew on 13 June 1934. About 887 Bf 108s were built between 1934 and 1944 at BFW + Messerschmitt + Nord (SNCAN, France post-1940). The aircraft served civil + military operators worldwide through 1955.
The Bf 108 used an Argus As 10C V-8 air-cooled inverted engine (240 hp). Maximum speed 305 km/h, range 1,000 km, service ceiling 6,200 m. Capacity: 4 (pilot + 3 passengers). The aircraft's all-metal stressed-skin construction + retractable landing gear + slotted flaps were revolutionary for a 1934 sport aircraft. Willy Messerschmitt used the Bf 108 design as the basis for the Bf 109 fighter — the two aircraft share construction techniques + aerodynamic principles.
Bf 108 service was concentrated in Luftwaffe liaison + courier + flight-training units 1934-1945. The aircraft set 8 international speed records in its class 1934-1938 + won the 1934 Challenge International de Tourisme race. French SNCAN continued Bf 108 production after the 1940 occupation; postwar SNCAN built the Nord 1000 / 1001 / 1002 / 1100 variants for French Air Force + civilian use through 1955. About 25 Bf 108 / Nord 1000-series airframes survive in 2026 worldwide — many still airworthy.
For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version
The Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun (Typhoon) was a German 4-seat touring plane. It first flew on June 13, 1934, and was built until 1944. About 887 Bf 108s were made. The Bf 108 was the direct ancestor of the famous Bf 109 fighter.
The Bf 108 is 27 feet long with a 35-foot wingspan, smaller than a school bus. One Argus As 10C V-8 engine made 240 horsepower. Top speed is 190 mph, faster than most cars on a highway. The plane carries 4 people: pilot plus 3 passengers.
The Bf 108 was very advanced for 1934. It had all-metal construction, smooth skin, retractable landing gear, and flaps. Willy Messerschmitt used these features to design the Bf 109 fighter the next year. The Bf 109 inherited the Bf 108's construction tricks and grew into the most-produced German fighter of WWII.
The German Luftwaffe used Bf 108s as liaison and courier planes throughout WWII. After Germany occupied France in 1940, the French company Nord built more Bf 108s as the Nord 1000 series. Bf 108s set 8 world speed records in 1934. Many Bf 108s still fly today as private classic planes.
Fun Facts
- The Bf 108 was the direct ancestor of the famous Bf 109 fighter.
- About 887 Bf 108s were built between 1934 and 1944.
- The Bf 108 is 27 feet long, smaller than a school bus.
- Top speed is 190 mph, faster than most cars on a highway.
- Taifun means Typhoon in German.
- The Bf 108 set 8 world speed records in 1934.
- France built more Bf 108s after WWII as the Nord 1000 series.
Kids’ Questions
How did it inspire the Bf 109?
The Bf 108 was Willy Messerschmitt's first all-metal monoplane, with retractable wheels and slotted flaps. These features were new for 1934. The next year Messerschmitt scaled up the design as a fighter, called the Bf 109. The Bf 109 used the same construction methods and aerodynamic principles. Both planes share a clear family resemblance.
Why so many built?
The Bf 108 was a great touring plane: fast, comfortable, reliable, and easy to fly. The Luftwaffe ordered hundreds for liaison and pilot training. Germany also exported Bf 108s to other countries. After Germany occupied France in 1940, French factories built more Bf 108s for German use. Production reached 887 between 1934 and 1944.
Why are some still flying?
The Bf 108 is a classic plane with elegant lines and modern features for its age. Many were saved after WWII and restored for private flying. Today about 50 to 70 Bf 108s still fly, mostly in Europe and America. They appear at airshows and old-aircraft fly-ins. The Bf 108 is one of the most-airworthy German civil planes from the 1930s.
Variants
- Bf 108B (basic)
- Standard production. About 600 built.
- Nord 1000 / 1001 / 1002 (French postwar)
- French SNCAN postwar variants. About 285 built 1945-1955.
Notable Operators
- Luftwaffe (1936-1945)
- Principal user. Liaison + courier + flight training + VIP transport.
- French Armée de l'Air (1945-1965)
- Postwar Nord 1000-series in flight-training + liaison roles.
- Civilian / private worldwide
- About 25 airframes still airworthy 2026. Used in vintage aircraft displays + private collections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Bf 108 related to the Bf 109?
The Bf 108 (1934) is the direct technological predecessor of the Bf 109 (1935). Willy Messerschmitt designed both — the Bf 108 first as a sport aircraft, then the Bf 109 second as a fighter built using the same construction techniques + aerodynamic principles. Both aircraft share the all-metal stressed-skin construction + retractable landing gear + slotted flaps. The Bf 109 is essentially a Bf 108 scaled-down for single-seat fighter use with a much-more-powerful engine.
Are Bf 108s still flying?
Yes — about 25 worldwide. Many private collectors + vintage aircraft displays operate Bf 108 / Nord 1000-series airframes. The aircraft's reasonable speed (300+ km/h), reasonable economy, and 4-seat capacity make it valuable for vintage flying. Several are based in Germany (Lufthansa historical fleet), USA (private collections), and France (continuing Nord 1000-series airworthiness).
Sources
See Also
- Messerschmitt Bf 109 — Direct fighter successor (same construction principles)
- Messerschmitt Me 261 — Sister long-range Messerschmitt design