Me 109
An important attribute of any successful combat aircraft is often said to be its suitability for development. A capacity for modification or adaptation to take larger and more powerful engines, heavier armament and other operational equipment as such becomes available, without necessitating an extensive re‑design of fundamental components, and consequent major retooling may well be of incalculable value. Germany’s Messerschmitt Bf 109 single‑seat fighter was an excellent example of such development suitability.