Bf-110G-2 Modifications: Umrüst-Bausätze / Rüstsätze

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The heavy fighter (Zerstörer) version of the Bf 110G was the first to enter full production. Early versions were armed with four 7.9 mm MG 17s in the upper nose (each with 1000 rounds) and two 20 mm MG FF/M cannon in the lower nose (each with 180 rounds). The observer had a single 7.9 mm machine gun facing backwards from his cockpit.

This basic firepower was soon upgraded. The nose cannon were replaced by the MG 151/20 20 mm cannon (400 rounds for the left gun and 350 for the right). The observer’s gun was replaced by a MG 81Z twin machine gun with 750 rounds per gun. Older models of the G-2 could be upgraded to this standard using the U1 kit (see below).

The Bf 110G-2 entered front line service in January 1943 on the Russian front. Its first combat experience came in the aftermath of the fall of Stalingrad. Zerstörer units played an important role in slowing down the Russian advance in early 1943, acting as a ground attack aircraft.



Umrüst-Bausätze (Construction modification sets)


U-1: The fitting of two MG 151/20 mm cannon in the lower nose. This was used to bring early production models up to the normal G-2 standard, and to convert G-3 reconnaissance aircraft back to the G-2 standard.

U5: This may refer to a streamlined mounting for the FuG 202 and 212 AI radar sets that increased the angle they worked at but reduced the maximum range. It may have been used in combination with the FuG 220 radar.

U6: A combination of the U5 kit and the FuG 221 radar system. This radar system was abandoned in favour of the FuG 227 Flensburg radar.

U7: GM 1 nitrous oxide power boost. This could increase the power of the engines by 300 hp for up to 19 minutes, but it reduced the normal performance of the aircraft, and required the removal of the rear firing machine guns and was rarely used. Also known as the R2 kit.

U8: An increased internal fuel tank with another 142.6 gallons (540 litres). It increased the range of the aircraft by 220 miles, but causes such a severe reduction in performance that it was abandoned after some field testing.

U9: The replacement of the nose mounted MG 17s with two 30 mm MK 108 cannon, with 135 rounds for the right cannon and 120 for the left.

 

 

Rüstsätze (Auxiliary apparatus/ field kits)


R1: The addition of a 3.7 cm Flak 18 cannon beneath the fuselage, for use an anti-tank weapon. It was tested in April-June 1943 in Russia on a variety of aircraft. The Bf 110G performed badly with this kit and it was not proceeded with.

R2: Alternative name for the U7 kit

R3: Alternative name for the U9 kit

R4: A combination of the R2 and R3 kits

R5: The R1 and R3 kits combined. This would have produced an aircraft with very heavy firepower but little or no manoeuvrability.

R6: A combination of the GM-1 powerboost and the R3/U9 kit, but with the MG 81Z rear gun retained. This was tested in early 1944 but probably not used.

R7: One 79 gallon/ 300 litre drop tank fitted below each wing. This became almost standard on the Bf 110G.

R-8: The famous Schräge Musik (Jazz) kit. This consisted of two upward firing MG FF/M 20 mm cannon added to the rear of the observer’s cockpit. It would allow the pilot to fly underneath a bomber and then fire upwards into it.

R-9: An upgraded version of R8, using two MK 108 30 mm cannon instead of the MG FF/M. This probably never went beyond unit testing.

B-1: A streamlined 20 gallon/ 75 litre drop tank for oil, normally used with B-2

B-2: Either two 238 gallon/ 900 litre drop tanks or two 79 gallon / 300 litre drop tanks beneath the outer wing panels

M-1: Belly mounted twin MG 151/20 20 mm gun pack with 200 rounds per gun

M-2: Two ETC 500/IXb bomb racks beneath the fuselage.

M-3: Four ETC 50/VIIId bomb racks beneath each outer wing panel.

M-4: Two SD 2/XII racks carrying 24 bomblets

M-5: Two 21 cm WGr 42 rockets under each wing

Edited September 8, 2016 by II./ZG1=SPEKTRE76