Choice of Aircraft

[James Porter]

Can anyone tell me on what basis the aircraft of the Nachtjagd were allocated to pilots? Most NJGs appear to have had numbers of Bf 110s and Ju 88s on strength (Do 217s and He 219s being much rarer), and I assume there was a mix of each of these 2 types at every airfield. Some Experten seemed to always fly one type: e.g. Lent flew Ju 88s (but other types earlier), as did Wittgenstein; yet Schnaufer, Jabs and Lutje flew Bf 110s. Given the power deriving from their prestige, I imagine they would have been able to dictate what they flew: i.e. this was personal choice - is this correct? And what was there to choose between those two types of aircraft in terms of performance? The Ju 88 was a bigger aircraft with slightly higher speed and slightly heavier armament plus a third crew member, so it might have been better able to carry the radar and on board equipment. It also seems to have been developed and upgraded right through the War, whereas the Bf 110 was not. So why would anyone choose the Bf 110 over the Ju 88?

[WEISNER]

A complex question James, I do not know all the answers, but will throw in my two cents here. Taking Schnaufer for example, he flew the 110 as you stated exclusivly. my grandfather swore by and drove Fords all his life, the 1980's fords were junk and he could have done better and saved repair $ by switching brands, but was dedicated to the ford brand. in the case of Schnaufer, could he have perhaps had a higher score with a Ju 88 G series, and the third pair of eyes another crew member provided? perhaps so...in my opinion..probably....
In the case of the Dornier Do 217, most pilots assigned this aircraft would have liked to shoot down their own aircraft, just to get rid of it....however they were stuck with it, as this is what there the particular geschwader was assigned for aircraft. also several NJG's had a mixed bag of AC at any given time, so pilot seniority played a part in who flew what...
I know the answer is complex and look foward to Erich's, Perhaps David P. Williams and all others who have an opinion to your excellant question James.
Kevin

[George Hopp]

As I recall, Schnaufer didn't have very good luck with the Ju 88. Apparently, in flying one in the fall of 1944, he nearly crashed it, and decided to stick with the Bf 110.