Hispano HA-1112-M1L Buchón

  • Period: Postwar (1945-1959)
  • Uses: Fighter
  • First Flight: September 1935 (Bf 109)
  • Display Status: In Reserve Hangar.

The HA-1112 airframe is a Spanish-built version of the famous Messerschmitt Bf 109G fighter. With no German engines available after 1945, early postwar versions were powered by the Hispano-Suiza engines. Later versions used the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. Altogether there were nine different Spanish variants using either of the two engines. Production ceased in the spring of 1961. Many were sold into private hands and are still flying in the air show circuit.

The installation of the upright V-12 engine makes the nose contours of the HA-1112 quite different from those of the original Messerschmitt Bf 109G, hence its nickname “Buchon” (pouter pigeon). The Buchon are popular performers and are among the only surviving examples of the famous German aircraft that can be seen in the air.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: C.4K-114
  • Manufacturer: La Hispano Aviación S.A. Spain
  • Manufacture Date: 1950
  • Construction #: 164
  • Aquisition Date: 1967
  • Provenance: Purchase

The Museum aircraft was manufactured in the 1950s and served with the Spanish Air Force. After private operation, it was purchased for the Canadian War Museum in 1967. It was restored and placed on display between 1986 and 1999.

Specifications

Wing Span:
9.9 m (32 ft 7 in)
Length:
9 m (29 ft 8 in)
Height:
2.59 m (8 ft 5 in)
Weight, Empty:
2,445 kg (5,390 lb)
Weight, Gross:
2,859 kg (6,303 lb)
Cruising Speed:
605 km/h (376 mph)
Max Speed:
666 km/h (414 mph)
Rate of Climb:
1,370 m (4,495 ft) /min
Service Ceiling:
10,000 m (32,800 ft)
Range:
766 km (476 mi)
Power Plant:
one Rolls-Royce Merlin 500/45, 1,600 hp, V-12 engine