Messerschmitt Me 410 flown by 3./ZG 26, June /July 1944

 

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Markings:
 
Messerschmitt Me 410, 3./ZG 26, 3U+KL, Reichsverteidigung June / July 1944

Additional informations:
 
Starting in the fall of 1943, the Messerschmitt Me 410 "Zerstörer" was used against incoming US bomber units in the Berlin area. They were far outgunned by the U.S. fighter escorts and considerable losses resulted. In March 1944, the I./ZG 26 converted from Bf 110 to Me 410. Presumably for better camouflage on the ground, in June / July 1944, the standard RLM 74/75/76 paint scheme was given additional meanders in RLM 82 dark green, which were pulled far down the sides of the fuselage. Contrary to the usual marking, the squadron identification "3U" was applied behind the fuselage cross, and the aircraft letter and squadron letter in front of the fuselage cross. The engine letter "K" was in the squadron color yellow and the spinner was provided with a spiral.

 

Acknowledgments:

The base drawing was made by Otterkins2. Thank you for the kind permission to use your drawings.

 

References / profiles:

 

This colour profile was published in the book

 

Luftwaffe im Focus

Edition 31 - 2021

Axel Urbanke

Luftfahrtverlag Start

ISBN 978-3-941437-48-7

 

 

A big "Thank you" to Axel Urbanke, for the possibility to publish my artwork within his great publication series. The text published here is a short summary of the article in the magazine. The accompanying photos and more information can be found in the article.