Lately I've been obnoxiously adding a request for the 410 to every post where it remotely fit into the subject matter. Decided instead of trying to squeak my way around wishing for it, I've recently been trying to research variants and service history. Does anyone have or know of a reliable source for information. Here is what I have so far:
There were approximately 1160 aircraft built before production was canceled to build more 109s. I don't know if this includes the 267 210Cs built in Hungary, (Upgraded to 410 structural and control surface standards but with lesser engines). No source I have found lists any production numbers for the various A and B variants. Top speed for the A variant was approximately 388mph using 1726hp DB603A engines, the B was 392 with 1900 hp DB603G engines. About half of the sources say the B model was "supposed" to have the DB603Gs, but actually had the 603As, Making the B identical to the A.
I have not found 2 sources that list the same armaments for the 410B-2/U4. (I love bomber destroyers) All sources agree that a Bk5 50mm cannon was equipped. One source said the factory 20mm and 12.7mm were removed and replaced with two 30mm's, while another says the standard 20mm and 12.7mm were still in the nose and two 30mm's were in the ventral tray with the Bk5. I found one sight that listed the field modifications (410B-2/U4 R#) with as many as four extra 20mm in the tray with the Bk5. One listing had the original armament (Bk5, 2x20mm, 2x12.7mm) and two Mk 108's and two Mk 103's
As far as other additional ordnances, I've heard multiple reports of different WGr-21 configurations. None of the sources I've found list the rockets as used ordinance in the aircraft stats. One source says as many as six WGr's were on the wings, others say four, but this is all in the narratives not listed with official stats. I know the rotary launcher was a failure and never fielded. I can't find the source now but IRC 410's and 110's even used R4M's somewhat successfully in a last ditch defense of Ploesti oil facilities.
I'd also like to find at least some combat statistics. The closest I've gotten was "the Me410 achieved substantial successes against unescorted Allied bombers, but were easily defeated by the more nimble Allied single engine fighters once long range escorts were available." I'd like to know approximately how many bombers were downed by 410's (I know # of kills claimed and actual kills made rarely match but a number is better than "substantial".) Was the 410 ever successful against Allied fighters?
The ridiculously large military aircraft encyclopedia I have lists the generic info. Wiki is not reliable, and no other net sites I have found seem to be since they all differ on some specifics. The library at the university I work for just has two books on Messerschmitt aircraft and the information in those books is not really detailed. Regardless of if the 410 in modeled in game or not, I still would like to find reasonably accurate and specific info.
Thanks for any help, and I'm horrible at grammar and spelling so, enjoy grammar police, enjoy.
A8Fatboy
