Almost from the earliest moments of its service trials the Bf 110 had been found to lack one essential characteristic of a fighter - good manoeuvrability. The Me 210 (which originated in 1937) was designed as a superior twin-engined multi-purpose aircraft to replace the Bf 110. The outcome was similar to that of several other projects in aviation history: the Bf 110 long outlived the aircraft intended to replace it.
Somewhat similar in appearance to the Bf 110 in original prototype form, when first flown on 2 September 1939 it was found to be so unstable that the twin fin/rudder tail unit (borrowed from its predecessor) was replaced by a more conventional large single fin and rudder. Despite this and other modifications, stability was still very marginal. Although introduced into operational service in Me 210A, B and C versions from early 1941, most were being replaced within two years.
FACTS AND FIGURES
© The rear gunner controlled rear-facing
machine guns in twin
barbettes which gave much
trouble in early service. Forward-firing
armament was two cannon
and four machine guns.
© The prototype had a twin tail
arrangement like the Bf 110, but in
an effort to cure stability problems
subsequent aircraft had a single tail
and enlarged tailplane. This failed
to make much difference.
© Some late Me 210s were built
with automatic slots in the leading
edge of the wings and an extended
rear fuselage. These changes were
incorporated in the much better
Me 410 Hornisse.
Messerschmitt Me 210 on YOUTUBE
