More preview models! Beaufighter and the Bf-110.

[Teaticket]

Great info Simon. Thanks for posting.

[malachi]

Thank you, Simon, that was interesting!
REP!

[monse]

Moreover, there are pictures (links below) of a Bf.110 with the same identification letters as the Schupp model (3U+DS) but notified as a E version and not a C.
Taken in North Africa in 1941, while the Schupp model was shot down in September 1940 in England.
It may have created confusion for Ares for the choice of design, pilot and equipment.


Messerschmitt Bf 110E Zerstorer 8.ZG26 (3U+DS)


Messerschmitt Bf 110E Zerstorer 8.ZG26 (3U+DS) North Africa 1941 (crashed)


Messerschmitt Bf 110E Zerstorer 8.ZG26 (3U+DS) Wehmeyer 1942

[Spad VII]

Wow what research !

[Diamondback]

Moreover, there are pictures (links below) of a Bf.110 with the same identification letters as the Schupp model (3U+DS) but notified as a E version and not a C.
Taken in North Africa in 1941, while the Schupp model was shot down in September 1940 in England.
It may have created confusion for Ares for the choice of design, pilot and equipment.


Messerschmitt Bf 110E Zerstorer 8.ZG26 (3U+DS)


Messerschmitt Bf 110E Zerstorer 8.ZG26 (3U+DS) North Africa 1941 (crashed)


Messerschmitt Bf 110E Zerstorer 8.ZG26 (3U+DS) Wehmeyer 1942

ID codes were reassigned between aircraft with transfer or replacement, only the Werkenummer was permanent.

[monse]

ID codes were reassigned between aircraft with transfer or replacement, only the Werkenummer was permanent.

Thank you for the information.
Very interesting.
Rep.

[Diamondback]

How these codes work: Before the Balkankruez (in this case 3U = ZG26) identifies Gruppe. Last letter ID's the Staffel (S = 8.[_G__]), the letter right after the BK is the individual aircraft in this squadron.

Rearranged to read in a hierarchical format, this plane would be 3U-S-D. Werkenummern (Works Numbers) weren't always visible and frequently overpainted, in contrast to USAAF practice which always tried to keep serials clearly visible. (Perhapsd because in places that didn't use RAF "buzz codes" the C/N was the only available ID system aside from colored stripes, bands or aircraft sections. Buzz codes were logical for ground observers but when you're doing 300mph and need a Friend/Foe ID RIGHTNOW....