The Messerschmitt Me 410 Hornisse (Hornet) was two-seat tactical aircraft fighter for ground-attacks and reconnaissance operations. It was a further development of the unstable Me 210 system and eventually gave way to dedicated fighter production for Germany. It took its first flight in 1942 and was also used as a bomber destroyer against the daylight bomber streams of the USAAF.
The Messerschmitt Me 410 Hornisse (Hornet) used more powerful Daimler-Benz DB 603A engines, as compared to the DB 605s used on the Me 210C. This powerful engine also increased the Me 410’s maximum speed to 624 km/h (388 mph), improved rate of climb, service ceiling, and the cruise speed, which jumped to 579 km/h (360 mph). The aircraft was crewed by a compliment of two personnel that included the pilot and the rear-gunner. The aircraft used twin 20mm MG 151 type cannons along with twin 13mm MG 131 machine guns. Additionally, for an additional defensive punch, a pair of 7.92mm MG 17 type machine guns was also being used.
The Me 410 was successful against Allied bomber formations but was could not show its worth when squaring off in a head-on dogfight with fighters. It appeared in masses in the year 1943,but saw a short shelf life as resources were placed into dedicated fighter production for the defense of Germany and its interests.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Crew: | 2(pilot and gunner) |
| Type: | Multirole fighter-bomber |
| Design: | Messerschmitt |
| Engine(s): | 2x Daimler-Benz DB 603A liquid-cooled V12 engine, 1,750 PS (1,726 hp, 1,287 kW) each |
| Max Speed: | 624 km/h (388 mph) |
| Max Range: | 2,300 km (1,400 mi) combat |
| Ceiling: | 10,000 m (32,810 ft) |
| Length: | 12.56 m (41.2 ft) |
| Height: | 3.7 m (12,14 ft) |
| Empty Weight: | 6,627 kg (14,597 lb) |
| MTO Weight: | 11,244 kg (24,766 lb) |
| Armament: | Bombs up to 1,000 kg (2,204 lb) of disposable stores |