Messerschmitt Bf110 B, C, D and E: An Illustrated Study - Variants, Weapons, Equipment Hardcover

Messerschmitt Bf110 B, C, D and E: An Illustrated Study - Variants, Weapons, Equipment Hardcover

The Messerschmitt Bf 110 was the primary multi-role heavy fighter used by the Luftwaffe. It was equipped by ten Luftwaffe Gruppen by the time Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. At first, the Bf 110C was mainly used in the ground-support role due to the limited opposition in the air. After the fall of Poland, the machine was not seen much until December 14, 1939, when it was encountered by a group of twelve Wellingtons over the Heligoland Bight.

During the "Battle of Britain" in 1940, the Bf 110C faced the RAF fighters for the first time and was found to be inadequate. As a long-range escort fighter, it suffered heavily at the hands of the more agile Hurricane and Spitfire. Instead of protecting the bombers under escort, the Bf 110C formations found themselves struggling to defend themselves. This led to a comical situation where single-seat Bf 109E fighters had to offer protection to the escort fighters.

The failure of the Bf 110C in its primary task led to its eventual withdrawal from the Channel coast. However, its production priority remained unaffected. The aircraft performed well against Polish PZL fighters and other European countries, but it fared poorly when used during the Battle of Britain to escort German bombers, forcing the Luftwaffe to switch to short-range Bf 109s for escort duties.

Despite its drawbacks, production of the Bf 110s continued at a high rate, with no fewer than 6,150 being built by 1945, ranging from Bf 110As to Gs. As newer models became available, the early Bf 110Cs and Ds were transferred to the Middle East and Eastern Front. By the summer of 1941, the models had almost disappeared from the European theatre, although they were still being used extensively on the Russian front and in the Middle East.

Author John Vasco has researched a wealth of new material on the B, C, D, and E variants of this aircraft, including many previously unpublished photographs and high-quality artwork and color profiles. This detailed examination of the aircraft will be an invaluable work of reference to historians and modellers of the BF 110.