Messerschmitt Bf 110 vs P-38 Lightning

[syscom3]

I wonder if the -110 could have been modified to carry a torpedo.

 

[delcyros]

The Deb-601E/F driven Bf-110 had two ETC 1000 carrieges. They could -in theory- then carry two 1000kg bombs or two LT 800 kg torpedoes under the fuselage. It was to the best of my knowledge never made but it could have been made if required. Ground clearance requirements for the SD 1000 are more challenging than for the LT 800.

 

[parsifal]

The Me 110 was successful in the anti-shipping role, carrying bombs, and as a convoy escort. Ive seen photos of the 110 carrying enormous fuel tanks under the wings.......

 

[davebender]

How come they didn't put this additional two MG 151 cannons in wing roots?

Centerline mounted cannon are inherently more accurate. No need to set the convergence for a specific weapons range. That's why cannon firing through the prop hub worked so well.

 

[drgondog]

Centerline mounted cannon are inherently more accurate. No need to set the convergence for a specific weapons range. That's why cannon firing through the prop hub worked so well.

There is also the factor of structural rigidity and availablity to absorb more recoil for nose mounted weapons- not to mention the guns/fuselage and sight are far better coupled in all flight manuevers..

Wing mounted weapons introduces loads the wing must be designed to accomodate - particularly if not present in original design.

This factor is more important for s/e fighters than twins as a twin engine wing is stressed for in plane loads (due to engine), but aerodynamic loads impose variable inputs (frequency and deflection) along with engine thrust for both twin engine and single engine ships - making a concentrated burst impact point less predictable in varying flight conditions (i.e. turn, dive, roll).