Was the Bf 109 better than the Spitfire?

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was better than the Spitfire in terms of armaments and operational altitude, but the Spitfire was more manoeuvrable, being able to turn in a tight circle.

What does the BF stand for in the Bf 109?

BF stands for Bayerische Flugzeugwerke, the company that built the fighter prior to it being taken over by Messerschmitt.

Why was the Messerschmitt Bf 109 important?

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 (aka Me 109) was important because it was Germany's only single-engine fighter plane for the first three years of WWII, and it remained in production throughout the conflict.

Messerschmitt Bf 109

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Definition

The Messerschmitt Bf 109, also known as the Me 109, was Germany's most important single-seater fighter plane throughout the Second World War (1939-45). Produced in greater numbers than any other German plane, the fighter was a match for the RAF's Supermarine Spitfire in the Battle of Britain and was employed on a range of fronts from North Africa to Russia.

More about: Messerschmitt Bf 109

Timeline

1935
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 design wins a Luftwaffe contract for production.
1937
The first Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter planes are flown by the Luftwaffe.
1937 - 1939
Messerschmitt Bf 109 participate in the Spanish Civil War.
1939 - 1945
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter plane is employed by the Luftwaffe throughout WWII.