The Messerschmitt Me-410 was a German heavy fighter and Schnellbomber used by the Luftwaffe during World War II. As compared to the Me-210 it got a new wing plan, longer fuselage and engines of greater power. The changes were significant enough for the aircraft to be redesignated the Me-410. First flight was in March 1942 and it was called the Hornisse (Hornet). The type had heavy forward firing armament to shoot down Allied bombers and remotely controlled guns in turrets to the rear of the cockpit. Powered by two Daimler Benz DB603A engines with 1750 hp, it was quite fast and could attain a maximum speed of 624 km/hr. But it was not manoeuvrable enough for a fighter dogfight.
Me-410 A-1/U2
This Me-410 was photographed at the RAF museum in Cosford (U.K.). The history of this aircraft is unknown but it was surrendered in Denmark at Vaerlose in May 1945. It was one of six Me 410s that were taken to the UK in 1945 for evaluation, but the only one to be later selected for preservation and to avoid being scrapped. It underwent restoration in 1986. It was moved to Cosford in 1989.
(Note that this aircraft shown has clipped propeller tips, many operational Hornisse had the standard propellers).
Photographed November 2023 by Meindert de Vreeze (c) Copyright IPMS Nederland
Many plastic scale models of the Me-410 have been released. In 1/32 there was an old Combat Models and ID Models vacuform and the resin HPH kit. In 1/48 kits from Revell/Monogram, Hasegawa, Meng and others.
In 1/72 kits from old Frog, Lindberg, Italeri, old Revell, Fine moulds, Eduard and Airfix. The latest 1/72 Airfix kit #04066 was developed using a LIDAR scan of the Cosford Me-410 seen above in the Walk around but the kit has fortunately the standard propellers.
This walk around page was first created November 2023