Difference between Bf 110G-2 and G-4

[Pete63]

Hello, everyone.

This is a question for the Messerschmitt Bf 110 experts:

What exactly is the difference between a G-2 and a G-4..? I’m not an expert on these Messerschmitts, but I’ve stumbled upon aircraft with small rudders and trimtabs that seem to be G-2 aircraft and the ones with the larger rudders and trimtabs seem to be G-4 aircraft.
Or is any G-2 equipped with FuG202 radar antennae automatically a G-4..?

I’m a bit in the blind here. Are there any Werknummer listings..?
Could one say that e.g. W.Nr.5302 is a certain subtype by looking up the Werknummer as such..?
Hopefully someone can help me with this.

With kind regards,
Piet Bouma
The Netherlands

[Marcel Hogenhuis]

Hello Piet,

The Bf110G-2 was designed as a Zerstörer while the G-4 had many features exclusively for the role of nightfighter (Schräge Musik, Flammenvernichter, SN-2 radar etc.).

This is the second time this week that I am asked for Werkenummer 5302: this aircraft was one of a batch of 80 Bf110's produced by the Gothaer Waggon Fabrik. According to my database, the next batch were Bf110G-3 (reconnaissance version). I have only one reference to 5302 (15% damage) but no final fate.

Best regards, Marcel

[John Vasco]

Originally Posted by Pete63

I’m a bit in the blind here. Are there any Werknummer listings..?
Could one say that e.g. W.Nr.5302 is a certain subtype by looking up the Werknummer as such..?
Hopefully someone can help me with this.

With kind regards,
Piet Bouma
The Netherlands

Get hold of a copy of 'Messerschmitt Bf 110/Me 210/Me 410' by Petrick & Mankau. That will give you a comprehensive list of W. Nr. & sub-variants.

[Pete63]

Marcel and John,
Thanks for your reactions.
With kind regards,
Piet

[Pete63]

Originally Posted by John Vasco

Get hold of a copy of 'Messerschmitt Bf 110/Me 210/Me 410' by Petrick & Mankau. That will give you a comprehensive list of W. Nr. & sub-variants.

Is there anyone here who has this reference book and could shed a light on which subtype this Bf 110 is according to the Werknummer-list..? I'll try and get hold of a copy of the book, but this will take some time...

With kind regards,
Piet

[Marcel van Heijkop]

Hi all,

According to the book of Petrick and Mankau (I have the German version, not sure if there is another) W.Nr. 5302 is a Bf 110 G-4. It was part of a batch of 80 aircraft (W.Nr. 5301 through 5380) built by GWF from March 1943 through April 1943.

HTH,

Marcel

[Pete63]

Thanks, Marcel.
Much appreciated..!
(I just sent you a PM, or actually an e-mail.)
Thanks again..!
Piet

[TigerTimon]

Interesting thread. The Bf 110 G-4 has always had my interest, and I would like to learn more about this aircraft. What book would provide the absolute best information on the different modifications of the Bf 110 G-4? Is it Messerschmitt Bf 110/Me 210/Me 410' by Petrick & Mankau? Wikipedia is very brief in this regard. For example, I came across the modifications G-4/U7 and G-4a/R1 and would like to know more. Also, when did the first MK 108 appear on the G-4?

Regards,

Timon

[Nick Beale]

What book would provide the absolute best information on the different modifications of the Bf 110 G-4?
Regards,

Timon

I don't know if it would be "the absolute best" but George Hopp's 1986 slim book on the Bf 110 G for the Monogram Close Up series might be worth looking at: https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/S...=&kn=110&isbn=

It does go into lots of details of equipment etc.

[TigerTimon]

Thank you, Nick