Messerschmitt Me 210
Messerschmitt · German Reich · first flew 1939 · bomber
The Messerschmitt Me 210 was a German twin-engine heavy fighter and destroyer intended to replace the Bf 110, but it proved so aerodynamically deficient that it nearly ended Messerschmitt's career. Only after extensive redesign was the improved Me 410 successfully produced.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.2 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine heavy fighter/destroyer with twin tail fins and remote-controlled defensive barbettes
- Short, blunt nose with glazed bombardier station
- Development plagued by severe handling problems requiring extensive redesign
The twin fins and twin radial engines on a mid-set tapered wing, combined with remote-controlled waist barbettes and a glazed nose, distinguish the Me 210 from the earlier Bf 110 at close inspection.
Specifications
- The Messerschmitt Me 210 has a length of 12.2 m (40 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16.3 m (53 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 620 km/h (385 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in September 1939, the Me 210 suffered persistent directional instability and dangerous stall characteristics that caused numerous crashes. After a public scandal the design was extensively modified with a lengthened rear fuselage and redesigned tail, eventually producing the more capable Me 410 Hornisse.
Variants
The Me 210A-1 and A-2 were the principal German production variants; Hungary licence-built the Me 210Ca-1 with Daimler-Benz engines. The Me 410 Hornisse was the successful derivative.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Luftwaffe and Hungarian Air Force; all retired or destroyed by the end of World War II. No airworthy examples survive.
Related aircraft
- Messerschmitt Bf 109E
- Messerschmitt Bf 109F
- Messerschmitt Bf 161
- Messerschmitt Me 209
- Avro Manchester
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- Bloch MB.174
- Breguet 693
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