The Messerschmitt Me 410 improved upon the failed Me 210 platform in a variety of ways but eventually gave way to dedicated fighter production for Germany.
The Messerschmitt Me 410 Hornisse ("Hornet") was a further development of the ultimately-abandoned Me 210 design which suffered throughout its short service life with stability and handling issues. Though improved to some extent by the Hungarians in the Me 210C model, it was the Me 410 that truly evolved the line. The new aircraft was given an all-new designation (Me 410) to differentiate the type from its previous failed form and went on to prove itself an effective combat platform for its part in World War 2 (1939-1945).
The Me 410 saw the introduction of the new Daimler-Benz DB 603A which offered up 1,750 horsepower through a twin engine arrangement. These powerplants were mounted to lengthened, streamlined nacelles at each wing, extending some over the leading edges. The aircraft was crewed by two (pilot and dedicated gunner). As a heavy fighter, the aircraft was outfitted with 2 x 20mm MG 151 cannons along with 2 x 7.92mm MG 17 machine guns (mounted in the nose). Additionally, a pair of 13mm MG 131 type machine guns were used in side blister mounts (remote-controlled operation) as a defensive measure against trailing, intercepting enemy aircraft. The bomb load carried could total up to 2,200 pounds of conventional drop stores held in an internal bomb bay.
The Me 410 found success against Allied bomber formations but was a lesser match when confronted by more compact, agile escort fighters. It excelled in the close-support role where the issues encountered in the preceding Me 210 design seemed to have been all ironed out. Variations in the Me 410 family included a variety of fighter-bomber / reconnaissance forms as well as several proposed and experimental derivatives. Service introduction came during 1943 but its late entry into the war meant a short operational life as German resources increasingly committed to the production of fighters like the proven Messerschmitt Bf 109G.
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(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Air-to-Air Combat, Fighter
General ability to actively engage other aircraft of similar form and function, typically through guns, missiles, and/or aerial rockets.
✓Ground Attack (Bombing, Strafing)
Ability to conduct aerial bombing of ground targets by way of (but not limited to) guns, bombs, missiles, rockets, and the like.
✓Close-Air Support (CAS)
Developed to operate in close proximity to active ground elements by way of a broad array of air-to-ground ordnance and munitions options.
✓Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR), Scout
Surveil ground targets / target areas to assess environmental threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.
Length
40.7 ft (12.40 m)
Width/Span
53.6 ft (16.35 m)
Height
14.0 ft (4.28 m)
Empty Wgt
13,558 lb (6,150 kg)
MTOW
23,700 lb (10,750 kg)
Wgt Diff
+10,141 lb (+4,600 kg)
(Showcased structural values pertain to the Messerschmitt Me 410 A-1 Hornisse (Hornet) production variant)
Installed:
2 x Daimler-Benz DB 603A liquid-cooled V-12 engine developing 1,726 horsepower each driving three-bladed propeller units.
(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the Messerschmitt Me 410 A-1 Hornisse (Hornet) production variant. Performance specifications showcased above are subject to environmental factors as well as aircraft configuration. Estimates are made when Real Data not available. Compare this aircraft entry against any other in our database or View aircraft by powerplant type)
STANDARD:
2 x 20mm MG 151/20 cannons in nose.
2 x 7.92mm MG 17 machine guns in nose.
2 x 13mm MG 131 machine guns in rear-facing, rear-firing fuselage blister packs (remotely-controlled by rear gunner).
OPTIONAL:
Maximum bombload up to 2,205 lb.
Supported Types
(Not all ordnance types may be represented in the showcase above)
Hardpoint Mountings: 4
Me 410 - Fitted with Daimler-Benz DB 603A engines of 1,750 horsepower; increased payload and service ceiling over earlier Me 210 design.
Me 410 A-1 - Light Bomber Variant.
Me 410 A-2 - Proposed Heavy Fighter Variant with 2 x MK103 cannons.
Me 410 A-3 - Dedicated Reconnaissance Model
Me 410 B-1 - Fitted with 13mm MG 131 machine guns over original 7.92mm MG 17 machine guns.
Me 410 B-2
Me 410 B-3
Me 410 B-5 - Experimental Long-Range Torpedo Bomber; replaced MG 131 systems with search radar.
Me 410 B-6 - Proposed Coastal Patrol Maritime Variant similar to the B-5 but in the short-range mold.
Me 410 B-7 - Prototype Reconnaissance Models updated from B-3 model.
Me 410 B-8 - Prototype Reconnaissance Models updated from B-3 model.
Me 410C - High Altitude Derivative
Me 410D - Improved B-series models for higher-altitude performance.
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective aerial campaigns / operations / aviation periods.
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Hungary; Nazi Germany
