99 Focke Wulf Fw200

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Publisher: Profile Publications England
Cover: Soft
Profile

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Synopsis: The Messerschmitt Bf110C represents the embodiment of pre-war strategic fighter concepts, designed as a long-range escort fighter and bomber destroyer that achieved mixed success depending on mission requirements and opposition encountered. This detailed profile examines the development of this distinctive twin-engine fighter under Willy Messerschmitt's design leadership, creating an aircraft intended to provide the Luftwaffe with strategic reach and heavy firepower unavailable in single-engine fighters. The book analyzes the aircraft's impressive specifications: powered by two Daimler-Benz DB 601A engines producing 1,050 horsepower each, achieving maximum speed of 349 mph at 22,965 feet, with exceptional range of 528 miles that enabled deep penetration missions beyond single-engine fighter capabilities. Technical examination reveals the Bf110's heavy armament consisting of four 7.92mm MG 17 machine guns and two 20mm MG FF cannons mounted in the nose, plus one flexible 7.92mm MG 15 for rear defense, providing devastating firepower against bomber formations. The profile details the aircraft's robust construction designed for long-range operations, featuring excellent pilot visibility, sophisticated navigation equipment, and fuel capacity enabling extended combat patrols over enemy territory. Operational history chronicles the Bf110's early success during the Polish and Norwegian campaigns where minimal fighter opposition allowed the aircraft to demonstrate its bomber-destruction capabilities and long-range escort potential. The book examines the aircraft's mixed performance during the Battle of Britain, where encounters with agile Spitfires and Hurricanes revealed the limitations of heavy fighters in air superiority combat, leading to unsustainable losses and tactical reassessment. Combat accounts detail both successful bomber interceptions where the Bf110's heavy armament proved devastatingly effective, and catastrophic encounters with single-engine fighters that exposed the aircraft's vulnerability in turning combat. The profile covers the aircraft's evolution into a successful night fighter, where radar equipment and heavy armament made it ideal for intercepting RAF bombing formations over Germany. Technical analysis examines various sub-variants including the Bf110C-4 with improved armament, the Bf110C-5 reconnaissance version, and specialized ground-attack variants equipped with additional armor and bombs. Night fighter development receives extensive coverage, analyzing the installation of Lichtenstein radar systems that transformed the Bf110 into Germany's primary night defense weapon. The book details major night fighting operations including the defense of German cities against RAF Bomber Command, where Bf110 units achieved remarkable success in locating and destroying British bombers under cover of darkness. Notable pilots featured include night fighting aces such as Helmut Lent and Wolfgang Schnaufer, whose achievements in radar-equipped Bf110s established new standards for night interception techniques. Production analysis reveals that over 6,000 Bf110s of all variants were manufactured, with the C-series representing a significant portion of early production before later variants specialized in night fighting and ground attack roles. The comprehensive profile includes detailed technical drawings, radar installation diagrams, and camouflage schemes from various combat units, providing essential reference material for understanding this versatile twin-engine fighter's evolution throughout World War II and its adaptation from strategic fighter to specialized night interceptor.

99 Focke Wulf Fw200, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.