Messerschmitt Me 210/Me 410 Hornet
The Me210 and Me410 were originally planned as further developments of the twin-engined Messerschmitt Bf110 as the Luftwaffe sought a high-speed heavy fighter and gun platform. First flown in September 1939, the early version, Me210, proved extremely troublesome. There were frequent accidents and production was terminated in April 1942 after 352 aircraft had been complete. First flown in 1942, the sleek Daimler-Benz-powered Me410, however, was much more successful and was manufactured in large numbers as a two-seat tactical aircraft fighter for ground-attacks and reconnaissance operations. More than 100 different variants and sub-variants had been produced by the end of 1944 This book will enable readers to distinguish between the multitudes of sub-types and identify the various modifications, weapons systems, and conversion packs that were used.