Messerschmitt Bf 110 Zerstorer (Destroyer)

The Messerschmitt Bf 110 Zerstorer (Destroyer) was a twin-engine aircraft initially designed by the Germans to meet their requirement of a high speed bomber. It was designed in the year 1939 in Germany. It became a dominant force in the invasion of Poland and also throughout the year 1939. The Bf 110 generated a decent list of air combat aces along the way throughout the war.Its strength were its durability and Ammo load with which it could bring down early war bombers with ease.

Messerschmitt Bf 110 Zerstorer (or Destroyer) could bring to bear its formidable array of 2 x 30mm and 2 x 30mm cannons onto a bomber target and annihilate it easily. It provided a rear-guard defensive armament through its rear gunner cockpit which was armed with an additional 2 x 7.92mm machine gun assembly. Due to its limitations in the maneuverability of the aircraft , the Bf 110 was relegated to nightfighter role after less-than-stellar performances as a true bomber. Bf 110’s as a nightfighter could once again take to the skies with confidence and wreak havoc on incoming bomber formations in the blackness of night.

Despite of its developmental and engineering drawbacks, the Bf110 system eventually found role for itself in the global conflict and became a most important fighter/bomber hybrid.

SPECIFICATIONS

Primary Guns: 4x MG17 7.92mm machine guns with 1000 rpg in nose
Secondary Guns: 2x MG-FF 20mm cannon with 180 rpg in nose
Defensive Guns: 1x MG15 7.92mm flex machine gun with 750 rpg in dorsal position
Ordnance: 2x 551 lb (250 kg) bombs
Engine(s): 2x Daimler-Benz DB-601N in-lines rated for 1,200 hp at sea level
Int Fuel Capacity: 2,016 lbs (914 kg)
Maximum Speeds: 293 mph (472 kph) at sea level, 349 mph (560 kph) at 22,965 ft (7,000 m)
Ceiling: 32,810 ft (10,000 m)
Loaded Weight: 14,881 lbs (6,750 kg)
Wing Area: 413.3 sq ft (38.4 sq m)
Wing Loading: 36.0 lbs/sq ft (175.8 kg/sq m)