Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3, WNr. 790
History
Manufactured in 1938 by Erla Maschinenwerk GmbH in Leipzig, Bf 109E-3 W.Nr. 790 was one of approximately 40 Bf 109s sent to Spain in early 1939. These aircraft were delivered as knock-down kits to the Spanish Air Force (Ejército del Aire) and assembled locally. They were used by the German Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War, providing valuable combat experience for Luftwaffe
After the conclusion of the Spanish Civil War, Bf 109E-3 W.Nr. 790 remained in service with the Spanish Air Force. It was assigned the serial number C.4E-106 and served until 1954, primarily for training purposes. Following its retirement, the aircraft was preserved and displayed at the Deutsches Museum in Munich in 1960, thanks to the efforts of Willy Messerschmitt, the aircraft's designer.
Upon its arrival at the museum, Bf 109E-3 W.Nr. 790 underwent restoration to return it to its original condition. However, the current paint scheme is not historically accurate