The Messerschmitt 410 A-1 “Hornisse” was developed after the beginning of World War II as a replacement for the aging Bf 110 twin-engine heavy fighter, night-fighter, and light bomber. There were considerable delays during development, but the Me 410 A-1 was finally available for operational service in 1943. The Hornisse was faster than almost all Allied fighters of the time and relied on its speed and rear-facing defensive turrets to survive enemy attacks. The heavy firepower it carried made it a devastating bomber destroyer, but the lack of maneuverability was always a concern for Hornisse pilots.

This is a historically based campaign, with most mission events grounded in operational records. Some creative interpretation has been applied to enhance gameplay and accommodate the missions within the existing map parameters.

You will begin the “Hornet’s Nest” campaign as a new lieutenant, starting your career on the Western Front. You have been assigned to Kampfgeschwader 2, where you are tasked with delivering one of the first Me 410s to your unit in Normandy in 1943. You will fly night fighter and bomber missions during the “Baby Blitz” of England, serve temporary duty as a test pilot with Erprobungskommando 25 to experiment with new weapons systems during daylight bomber raids over Holland, and eventually try to survive the Allied Invasion of France in 1944.

You will fly each mission with a fully voiced radio operator in the rear cockpit, who will communicate with you, comment on events, and read the checklist during takeoff and landing procedures. He is responsible for communicating with ground stations, operating the latest in radio guidance systems in the aircraft, providing headings to the next waypoint, and manning the rear gun turrets in the event of enemy contact. This experience is as close as you can get to bringing the history of the German heavy night fighter crews to life on your personal computer, especially if you use virtual reality goggles.

Time frame: June 1943 - July 1944
Regiment: V. Gruppe, Kampfgeschwader 2 - Erprobungskommando 25 – II. Gruppe, Kampfgeschwader 51
Available Aircraft: Messerschmitt 410 A-1 and A-1 U-2
Duration: 13 missions
Author: Jay =Jaegermeister= Yarbrough