HA1802 HM Bf 110G Martin Drewes, 1944

Designed to meet a Luftwaffe requirement for a twin-engined fighter, the Bf-110 was first flown on May 12th, 1936. Messerschmitt possessed no previous experience with twin-engined military aircraft when he commenced work on the Bf 110. Prototypes were very fast but not maneuverable, which made the aircraft a failure in its conceived role. Redesigned and equipped with radar, then used as a nightfighting bomber, the Bf 110 employed a formidable array of 2 x 30mm cannons. A rear gunner cockpit machine gun provided a rear-guard defense. The Bf 110 eventually became the dominant force of the Luftwaffe’s night fighter-wing during World War II.

About the Plane

German Ace Martin Drewes started out with Panzer Regiment 6. He transferred to the Luftwaffe and quickly rising to Major. He eventually commanded III/NJG 1. Flying his Bf-110G-4U1 he would maneuver below the unprotected Allied bombers and fire up into them. Once he shot a fully loaded bomber that exploded destroying his own plane. He flew 235 missions with 52 victories, 43 were at night and 50 were 4 engine planes. Awards, the German Cross in Gold; Luftwaffe Honor Goblet; Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross; Oakleaves for the Iron Cross. The Bf-110G-4 was a dedicated night fighter entering service in late 1942. It received a larger engine and the plane was strengthened to accommodate this. This strengthening allowed the plane to carry heavier payloads resulting in an extended service life. It also had extra protection and carried factory installed airborne interception radar. There were field kits available so each pilot could personalize his aircraft with various armaments to help him achieve a higher rate of success. By mid 1944 the Me-410 was replacing the Bf-110G and in February 1945 production ended.