Bf110E-2 Messerscmitt Luftwaffe, "Operation Donnerkuil", G9+JM, 4./N.JG1, St Trond, France, Feb., 1942

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.

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 They were withdrawn from this and found their calling as night fighters that inflicted large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.

In early 1942 Germany had two battleships and a cruiser docked at Brest France that posed a
threat to British shipping. The British Navy set up a blockade in an effort to contain them. Adolf
Gallant sent aircraft to St. Trond, Belgium in preparation for Unternehmen Donnerkeil (Operation
Thunderbolt), this would provide air cover for Unternehmen Zerberus (Operation Cerberus), the
surprise dash the German ships made for home on February 11, 1942.  The German ships
caught the British off guard and two days later they were home.


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