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Me110
Manufacturer : Messerschmitt
The Bf-110 grew out of Herman Gorings specifications for a multipurpose aircraft capable of penetrating deep into enemy airspace to clear the sky of enemy fighters in advance of German bomber formations. The aircraft would also be utilized as a long range interceptor, and as a ground support and ground attack bomber. The Bf-110 prototype first flew in 1936. The prototype was under powered with its Daimier Benz DB 600A engines. Several months passed before a go ahead was given for large scale production which commenced in 1938. Utilizing improved DB 601 engines, the early production 110s were as fast as any single engine fighter at that time, and had superior fire power. Their biggest apparent weakness was in the areas of armor protection for the crew, and in terms of maneuverability when compared to single seat fighters. The 110 was produced in large numbers and in many different variants. The 110D was the long range model. An additional belly tank was fitted to that aircraft, with several later variants having the more traditional drop tanks. The first serious test for the Bf-110 came during the Battle of Britain. About 300 Bf-110s were involved. They became easy prey for Hurricane and Spitfire pilots, and Bf-109s were often required to assist the 110s in their own defense. On August 15, 1940, which became known as Black Tuesday, the Bf-110s were ravaged by the RAF, and for the month over 100 aircraft were lost. On the Eastern Front the Bf-110 performed admirably in the early stages of Operation Barbarossa. With the Soviet Air Force weakened in the first several weeks of the attack, 110s were effectively utilized in a ground attack role. Ultimately, the Luftwaffe re-equipped a significant number of its 110s as night fighters. The aircraft performed well in this role because it was a good gun platform with sufficient speed to overtake the RAF night bombers. Such night missions were typically carried out with no Allied fighter escort, so the 110 night fighters would not have to engage or elude Allied fighters in this role. |
Me110
  The Hunted and the Hunter by Ivan Berryman. |   Tribute to Helmut Lent by Ivan Berryman. |   Impossible Odds by Ivan Berryman. (PC) |   Messerschmitt Bf.110G4b/R3 by Ivan Berryman. (PC) |
Me110 Artwork Collection |
  Night Defender by Graeme Lothian. (P) |   Night of Defiance by Ivan Berryman. |   Messerschmitt Bf.110G4b/R3 by Ivan Berryman. |
  Incident over Mannheim by Ivan Berryman. |   Tribute to Pilot Officer Ted Shipman by Ivan Berryman. |   Clipped Signature - Wolfgang Falck. |
  Clipped Signature - Fritz Rumpelhardt. |   Clipped Signature - Peter Spoden. |   Clipped Signature - Otto Fries. |
  Clipped Signature - Karl-Ludwig Johanssen. |   Clipped Signature - Hans-Joachim Jabs. |   Clipped Signature - Erich Weissflog. |
  Clipped Signature - Willi Wust. |   Dawn Strike by Richard Taylor. |   Close Combat by Ivan Berryman. |
  Impossible Odds by Ivan Berryman. |   Into The Cloak of Darkness by Nicolas Trudgian |   Duel in the Dark by Robert Taylor. |
  Night Hawks by Philip West. |   One - Tens Over Kent by Nicolas Trudgian |   Operation Mercury by Nicolas Trudgian. |
 Decisive Blow by Anthony Saunders. |   Zerstörer Break by Ivan Berryman. (PC) | Tribute to Helmut Lent by Ivan Berryman. |
The Hunted and the Hunter by Ivan Berryman. |   Opening Gambit, Poland, 2nd September 1939 by David Pentland. |   Night Ghost of St Trond by Iain Wyllie. |
  Night Hunters of the Reich by Nicolas Trudgian. |  Messerschmitt Bf110 Zerstorer Aces of World War Two. |   Lancaster Under Attack by Robert Taylor. |
  Top Night Fighter by Stan Stokes. |
