The Messerschmitt Me 410 Hornisse (Hornet) was a German heavy fighter and Schnellbomber (fast bomber) used by the Luftwaffe during World War II. It was developed from the Me 210, which had been plagued by problems with stability and handling. The Me 410 addressed these issues with a new wing design, a longer fuselage, and more powerful engines. It was also armed with a more powerful armament than the Me 210.
This Messerschmitt Me 410 Hornisse was on display at RAF Cosford.
The Me 410 entered service in 1943 and was used in a variety of roles, including fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, and night fighter. It was most effective in the fighter role, where it was used to escort bombers and attack enemy fighters. The Me 410 was also used to attack ground targets, including tanks and troop concentrations.
The Me 410 was a capable aircraft, but it was not without its flaws. It was relatively slow for a heavy fighter, and it was not as manoeuvrable as some of its contemporaries. However, it was well-armed and had a long range, making it a valuable asset to the Luftwaffe.
The Me 410 was produced in a number of variants, including the Me 410A, Me 410B, and Me 410C. The Me 410A was the basic variant, armed with two 20mm MG 151 cannons and four 7.92mm MG 17 machine guns. The Me 410B was a bomber variant, armed with a bomb load of up to 2,200 pounds. The Me 410C was a night fighter variant, armed with a radar and a 30mm MK 108 cannon.
The Me 410 was used in combat until the end of World War II. It was a successful aircraft, and it played a significant role in the Luftwaffe’s war effort.
