Me 410: "on a knife's edge"

[George Hopp]

In line with my note above, and another thread entitled "Kdo. Nowotny: Stop the Myth" here are a few ways to tell that the story you are reading on the Me 210/410 has not been properly researched.

1. It says that the first test flight took place on 5 Sep 39.
2. The long fuselaged Me 210 first flew in Spring 1942 -- usually given as April. It actually flew in Nov 41.
3. The Me 410B was powered by the DB 603G. In fact, the DB 603G was never put into production.

[Graham Boak]

May I add a few points.

The retention of the Bf 110 in production could have more than a little to do with the use of two different engines. The Me 410 required the rare and much desired DB603, the Bf 110 retained the more common DB 601/5. Plus, the 110 was largely retained for night fighting, for which the 410 had been judged unsuitable. Or is that yet another part of the myth?

As part of the story of the Arado Ar240, much is made of the participation of a Zerstoerer unit commander who was appalled that the high performance Arado design had not been placed in production in preference to the inferior Me 210/410. I'm away from my references, but I believe this was Thierfelder? Without wishing to offer unqualified support for his preference, it does show that at least one established Zerstoerer ace did not have any high opinion of the 210 series.

[John Vasco]

"...Plus, the 110 was largely retained for night fighting..."

Graham,
Go tell all the crews of ZG 1 and ZG 26, and all those flying 110 reece aircraft into 1944 that!

Greetings from one Lancastrian to another.

[Graham Boak]

OK, another myth in risk of biting the dust? But before abandoning it, can I ask what was the production split between day and night versions of the 110 from 1943 onwards?

Greetings returned, but I have to declare/admit being a Geordie in exile.

[Dénes Bernád]

Incidentally, a new book on the Me 410 has just been released by Mushroom Models Publ.
Although I received a copy from the author, Robert Peczkowski, I did not have a chance to look into it yet.

[John Vasco]

Graham,

Based on the 110 G-2/G-3 & G-4 production figures in the 110/210/410 book, and assuming the G-4 only was allocated to nightfighting, the split was roughly 30% day and 70% night. However 'D's, 'E's and 'F's were still being recorded in ZG 1's loss/damage returns well into 1943, so the %age ratio of actual use might be closer to 35-65. Still a lot of 110 day aircraft in the later stages of the war, and a lot of aircrew. Why-aye!!!

[George Hopp]

Incidentally, a new book on the Me 410 has just been released by Mushroom Models Publ.

What language is this book in, Dénes?

All the best,
George

[Dénes Bernád]

It's in English.
http://www.mmpbooks.biz/books/838945...389450240p.htm

[George Hopp]

Thank you, Dénes.
George

[Evgeny Velichko]

Originally Posted by Graham Boak

As part of the story of the Arado Ar240, much is made of the participation of a Zerstoerer unit commander who was appalled that the high performance Arado design had not been placed in production in preference to the inferior Me 210/410. I'm away from my references, but I believe this was Thierfelder? Without wishing to offer unqualified support for his preference, it does show that at least one established Zerstoerer ace did not have any high opinion of the 210 series.

Graham:

Could You tell the sourse of this info? Do You know when did Thierfelder test Me210? Summer 1942? Together with Hptm. Zimmermann and Oblt. Tratt while with II./ZG2?