Vultee's Me. 110

[John Dupre]

I have just picked up a 1941 copy of Warplanes of the World by Dell Publishing. In the section on German aircraft there are two photos of a "Messerschmitt Me. 110" that was sent to Vultee Aircraft in California. The 110 is coded S9 + CK and is said to have been shot down over England. The aircraft appears to be fully armed and intact. One propeller is feathered and the other is bent backward indicating it was running when the aircraft crashed. I can't tell what colors the aircraft markings might be. Any ideas on the history of and fate of this aircraft?

[CDF]

Bf 110 D-0/B
S9+CK
W. Nr. 3341
2. Staffel, Erprobungsgruppe 210
Pilot: Oberleutnant Alfred Habisch (PoW)
Bordfunker: Unteroffizier Ernst Elfner (PoW)
Shot down following early evening raid on Croydon on 15th August 1940 by the unit.
Belly-landed at Hawkhurst, Kent.
Put on street and park display in London towards the end of August 1940
Shipped to the USA aboard SS Montanan in April 1941.
Evaluated by Vultee Aircraft Corporation.
Ultimate fate of the airframe not known.

[Randy Wilson]

We have an original copy of the Vultee analysis of the plane in the CAF Airpower Museum research library. It is very detailed.

Randy

[tom d. friedman]

i had to look twice when i saw the title of this new post!! why was vultee chosen??? i'm affraid to ask what the aircraft's final disposition / fate was!!

[CDF]

PDF format of the report
http://campagneav.free.fr/zg1/fichiers/ ... rt%201.pdf

“We were fortunate in obtaining a complete Messerschmitt Me110-C multi-place fighter for the purpose of engineering investigation and analysis. The airplane was received in exceptionally fine condition, with practically every piece of equipment in working order, which enabled us to conduct detailed studies and tests of the more interesting equipment and structure.” “We have completed a lengthy investigation of this airplane and herein present an analysis of our findings, in the hope that others in the aircraft and related industries may find the information of interest and value.” “Vultee Field, Calif. - December 1941 R.W. Palmer”

[AirJimL2]

Some photos of the -110 with Vultee here:

http://www.kbobm.org/events.htm

Jim

[Adam Kline]

Pretty interesting. Thanks for posting.