Messerschmitt Bf 110

Seven articles on the main variants of the Messerschmitt Bf 110 today. The Bf 110 began life as a "destroyer" or Zerstörer, a heavy fighter that was expected to sweep the skies clear of enemy fighters. It performed this role successfully in Poland, Norway and for most of the battle of France. However, once the Bf 110 encountered the Spitfire and Hurricane in numbers over Dunkirk it quickly became clear that it was outclassed by the nimble single engine fighters. Despite failing in its initial role, the Bf 110 was forced to fight on until the end of the war, becoming a reasonably successful night fighter.