In an effort to recapture the interest of the Defence Ministry in its products the Bayerische Flugzeugwerke has offered a design intended to fulfull Luftwaffe requirements for an effective long range escort fighter to succeed the Fw187.
The proposal is - for the time being - known as the Bf109Z - for Zwilling, or twin - and comprises two Bf109 airframes married by a common wing section.
The performance claimed for the design in BFW's proposal to the Defence Ministry is impressive - the design is postulated to weigh in at 6,000 kg empty, with a full load weight of somewhat more than 7,200 kg. A speed in excess of 740 kph is claimed for the design, with a cruising speed of 570 kph at 3,000 metres. The proposal cites several possible armament outfits, including up to four 20mm MG201 cannon.
It remains to be seen if the Defence Ministry is sufficiently impressed with the proposal to fund construction of a prototype.