Hobby Master Archive

When performing the task of escort and air superiority that they were originally designed for the Bf-110 Zerstorers “Destroyers” were very good against Poland and the Scandinavian countries early in WWII. But once they were put into this role during the Battle of Britain and came up against the much faster and more agile Hurricanes and Spitfires the Bf-110 suffered tremendous losses. They were withdrawn from this and found their calling as night fighters that inflicted large losses on the British bombers that were un-escorted.

The aircraft belonging to ZG 26 carried the “Horst Wessel” insignia on both sides of the nose as well red tipped propeller spinners and white bands around the rear portion of the fuselage denoting their service in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. From April 1941 until late December 1941 the third Gruppe, 8th Staffel, Zerstorergeschwader 26 was based in North Africa at Derna, Libya. Bf-110E-2 3U+KS spent much of its time providing long range maritime escorts along the North Africa coast.

Specifications Messerschmitt Bf-110E Role - Designed as a fighter bomber Number Built - 865 Crew - 2 Dimensions Wingspan - 53 ft 3 in (16.25 m) Length - 39 ft 7 in (12.07 m) Height - 13 ft 6 in (4.13 m)

Performance Powerplants - 2 x DB 601P 1,175 hp Speed Maximum - 350 mph (562 km/h Cruise - 217 mph (350 km/h) Landing - 93 mph (150 km/h) Maximum Rate Of Climb - 2,150 ft/min (11 m/s) Service Ceiling - 32,000 ft (9,753 m) Range - 680 miles (1,095 km)

Weight Empty - 10,771 lb (4,885 kg) Maximum - 15,269 lb (6,925 kg)

Armament 4 x MG17 2 x MG FF 1 x MG15 Bombs Maximum 2,204.6 lb (1,000 kg) of bombs under the fuselage And 4 x SC 50 or SC 70 bombs under the wings

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1812 BF 110E-2/Trop 3U+KS, 8./ZG 26, North Africa, 1941

Die-cast metal. Superb detailing in 1/72 scale. Pre-painted with pad applied markings. Fully assembled. Supplied weapons are not permanently attached. Crew figures Display stand included. Option to display model with wheels up or down. Minimum use of plastic. Very collectable.