The Luftwaffe's only single-seat fighter in frontline service at the time of the Battle of Britain was the Messerschmitt Bf 109E or 'Emil'. With all previous variants being replaced by the time of the Battle of Britain, the first production version was the Bf 109E-1 which was powered by a Daimler Benz DB 601A engine and armed with two machine guns above the powerplant and another two in the wings. As the battle progressed, the Bf 109E-1 was gradually replaced by either the Bf 109E-3 or 'E-4. The Bf 109E-3 had its wing armament replaced by two MG FF 20mm cannon but the aircraft was then replaced or modified to the Bf 109E-4 standard. The basic differences between the 'E-3 and 'E-4 were improved armour plating for the pilot, a modified cockpit with better visibility and improved MG FF cannon. Towards the end of the battle, one Staffel (equivalent of a squadron) per Bf 109 Gruppe was also designated to carry out fighter-bomber missions (Jagdbomber or Jabo). Such aircraft were field or factory fitted with an ETC 500 bomb rack to carry a 551 lb (250kg) bomb and were then desiqnated 'E-1/B, 'E-3/B or 'E-4/B.
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