Messerschmitt Me 410A-1-U2
Serial Number:
420430
Period: WWII
Collection Ref: 85/AF/78
Location: RAF Museum Cosford, War Planes
The last in a series of twin engined 'destroyers' manufactured
by Messerschmitt, the Me410 was used by the Luftwaffe in a variety of
roles.
The origins of the Me410 Hornisse (Hornet) can be traced to the catastrophic
failure of an earlier design the Me210. A marked improvement on its predecessor,
the Me410 entered front line service in March 1943 and 1100 were built
before production ceased in September 1944.
Used as fighters, light bombers, photographic reconnaissance and anti-shipping
aircraft, Me410s were deployed in Western Europe, Scandinavia, Russia
and Italy. Me410 squadrons played an important role in the 'Baby Blitz'
the series of raids mounted by the Luftwaffe against the UK in 1943 and
1944.
Heavily armed Me410s were used against daylight air raids by the Flying
Fortresses and Liberators of the US Eighth Air Force, achieving some notable
successes. However, with the introduction of American escort fighters
in ever increasing numbers, the losses suffered by Hornisse equipped fighter
units mounted alarmingly and in the autumn of 1944 they were re-equipped
with single engine fighters.
Novel features of the Me410 included electrically powered, remotely controlled
defensive gun turrets on each side of the fuselage. These 'barbettes'
were aimed by the gunner with the use of a reflector sight.
