Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series (Propeller Powered) HA1807 - BF 110G-2 Q1+VB, 12/SG 77, USSR, 1943 |

| The creation of the Messerschmitt Bf-110G came about because the Me 210 that was meant to replace it turned out to be a failure. The main difference between the “G” and the “F” variants was the improved engine in the “G”. Physically it was about the same as the old engine which meant they only had to strengthen the air frame to handle the increased weight of the DB 605 engine. The new engine allowed for heavier payloads such as more powerful guns, rockets, increased fuel loads and larger radar antennae. The new Bf-110G-2 was first introduced to the war zone in January 1943 when it arrived in the USSR. Over the course of 1943 278 Bf-110G-2s were sent to the Eastern Front. Within a month of arriving the aircraft were pressed into action when the Germans were driven out of Stalingrad. With the lack of Soviet heavy bombers for the Bf-110 to tackle they were assigned to ground attacks in an effort to slow Soviet tanks and troops advancing westward. By the end of 1943 all Bf-110s were withdrawn from the USSR. Specifications for the basic Messerschmitt Bf-110G-2 Entered Service: December 1942 Dimensions: Length - 39' 7" (12.06 m) Wing Span - 53' 4" (16.25 m) Wing Area - 413.3 sq ft (38.4 sq m) Wing Loading - 27.2lb/sq ft / 45.5lb/sq ft / 53.5lb/sq ft Weight: Empty - 11,220lb (5089.3 kg) Loaded - 18,800lb (8527.54 kg) Max - 22,100lb (10024.39 kg) Powerplants: 2 X Daimler-Benz DB-605B-1 in-line 1,475 hp at sea level Int. Fuel Capacity - 2,016 lbs (914 kg) Ext. Fuel Capacity - 950 lbs (430 kg, 2 X under wing drop tanks) Performance: Maximum speed - 342 mph (550 kph) at 22,900 ft (6,980 m) Ceiling - 26,065 ft (7,950 m) Armament: 4 x 7.9mm MG, 5 x 30mm cannons |
