Airfix – A04069 – Messerschmitt Me410A-1

Description:

The Messerschmitt Me 410 Hornisse was a German heavy fighter and fast bomber developed during World War II as an improved successor to the troubled Me 210. Entering service in 1943, the Me 410 retained the twin-engine configuration of its predecessor but featured a lengthened fuselage, improved aerodynamics, and more powerful Daimler-Benz DB 603A engines, giving it better stability and performance. The aircraft was designed as a multirole platform, capable of serving as a bomber destroyer (Zerstörer), reconnaissance aircraft, and high-speed bomber. While it was initially successful in intercepting Allied bombers, it ultimately struggled against faster, more maneuverable escort fighters like the P-51 Mustang and the P-47 Thunderbolt.

The Me 410 A-1 was the standard fast bomber variant, equipped with an internal bomb bay that could carry up to 1,000 kg of ordnance, allowing it to perform precision bombing and ground-attack missions. It was armed with two 20mm MG 151/20 cannons and two 7.92mm MG 17 machine guns in the nose, along with a pair of remote-controlled MG 131 machine guns in side-mounted barbette turrets, operated by the rear gunner. The A-1 variant was sometimes modified in the field to carry additional weapons, such as underwing WGr 21 rocket launchers for bomber interception or extra cannons for ground attack. While the Me 410 A-1 had impressive firepower and speed for its class, it was ultimately deployed in limited numbers and could not significantly alter the air war in Germany’s favor.

Kit consists of 149 plastic parts and include decal sheet with two German markings. Kit is an update with new parts of the 2023 tooled kit Airfix – A04066 – Messerschmitt Me410A-1/U2 & U4.