Flying Display Photo Gallery

Nord 1002 Pingouin II (aka Messerschmitt Bf108B-2 Taifun) G-ETME

108 Flying Group

The Messerschmitt Bf108 was designed by the famous German designer Willy Messerschmitt for the 1934 Challenge de Tourisme Internationale air race. Although the Bf108 did not win the race, its revolutionary all-metal design and high performance caught the eye.

The Bf108 took part in several record-breaking endurance flights, most notably from Berlin to Constantinople in a single day. The pilot, Elly Beinhorn, had named her Bf108 "Taifun", and to mark this achievement Messerschmitt adopted this name for all its Bf108s.

The Luftwaffe adopted the Bf108 as a communications and ferry aircraft during World War Two. The Bf108 could carry one pilot and three passengers for a range of 621 miles. It was powered by a 240hp Argus As 10C engine, giving a maximum speed of 186mph.

The aircraft in the above photograph represents a subject from a specific period in military history. It contains markings that some may find offensive. All insignia and emblems are included to maintain historical accuracy. The inclusion of these insignia and emblems/markings is no way an endorsement or approval of the activities associated with the subject matter.