In 1936 the Luftwaffe
published specifications for a long-range strategic fighter. The
Messerschmitt Bf 110 was designed in 1934 and made its first flight
on 12th May 1936.
The Messerschmitt BF
110 was an all-metal twin-engine aircraft, with a three crew housed
in a long enclosed cockpit. Powered by two Daimler Benz engines,
it had a maximum speed of 336 mph (540 km) and had a range of 680
miles (1,094 km). It was 39 ft 7 in (12.07 m) long with a wingspan
of 53 ft 4 in (16.25 m). The aircraft was armed with 5 machine-guns
and two 20 mm cannons.
The aircraft performed
badly during the Battle of Britain and was redesigned. The installation
of radar equipment made it the best night fighter in the Luftwaffe.
The Messerschmitt A. G. company produced over 5,900 of these aircraft
between 1936 and 1945.
