Quote:
Originally Posted by Birgir Thorisson
Bf 110 as traditional dogfighter.
The Bf 110 was faster than the Hurricane at altitude, but less manouverable, Right?
The Bf 110 was slower and less manouverable than the Spitfire, but better armed, Right?
In a traditional low-spead turning manouver, why didnīt the rear-gunner shoot down the trailing s-e-fighter before it got enough lead to hit the Bf 110?
Was it due to some aerodynamic factors? or was it due to inadequate training of the gunners?
Birgir Thorisson.
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I've read that the 110 has poor acceleration compared to s/e fighters. Its maximum speed may have been greater than a Hurricane but I can see the problem if it was attacked while at cruising speed it may not have had time to reach its maximum (and how manoeuvrable would it be when it got there?).
Rear gunner? One MG vs. eight, handheld vs. fixed, ring/bead sight vs. reflector. The guy had a hard job and I guess that the general rule about defensive armament applied, that cross-fire from a formation would be the most effective use of it. Also, I wonder how the Bf 110 was for blindspots to the rear. Still, some rear defence is better than none.