Heavy fighters/Nightfighters

Though the Messerschmitt Bf 110 failed miserably in its designed role as a long-range escort fighter, it redeemed itself using its endurance and heavy armament to shoot down RAF strategic bombers attacking German cities at night.
The Junkers Ju 88A was originally developed as a medium bomber capable of divebombing. The Ju 88G version was converted to nightfighters as British night raids intensified. The Ju 88G's shot down more bombers than any other German interceptor.
The Messerschmitt Me 210 looked on the drawing board to be the perfect escort fighter the Luftwaffe needed. In reality the Me 210 was a combination of numerous problems and a total failure that cost Willy Messerschmitt his job.
The Messerschmitt Me 410 was developed because of the failed Me 210 and the company was given another chance. Although the improved final product was much better than its predecessor, the Me 410 was too late to stop Allied bombers.
The ptototype of He 219 was rejected in 1940 but later revived when nightfighters were needed. The He 219 was the only Luftwaffe aircraft designed from the beginning to be a night interceptor and capable of shooting down the British Mosquitoes.

Back to Luftwaffe Page
Back to Homepage

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1