Best Nightfighter of WW2

[brad]

cant remember what i voted for

[cheddar cheese]

i went for the 88, then later changed my decision to the beaufighter

[Lightning Guy]

Plan_D, I was refering to the P-61 being able to attack units moving into position before the actual attack was launched.

[plan_D]

The Allies didn't know the attack was coming, so they wouldn't have had the thought to use them on the enemy forces there. Mostly they didn't even know a lot of them were there.

[Erich]

the P-61 units in question were delegated to the defence and attack of German night fighters as well as German night bombers. They were not to be used as ground attack a/c as first priority. The unit's were designated to fly at night as intruder's whether the Ardenne battles came about or not.........A-20's of the units were used in the night ground attack roles during the Ardenne

[MP-Willow]

Erich, I have been reading about the P-61 mostly in the CBI and Pacific Theatures. So I might need a little time reading up on the ETO. But I will say that from what I found for the Pacific the P-61 did not find a lot of Japanese planes but did get its share. You are right about the night intruder ops and the locos. From what I read the P-61 was very good at busting up the marshelling yards, trussels, and trains in China and Burma. I will send you or post the souces I have. Most are from different units. Some i am still trying to read. I am waiting to get a good book or two but for now my reading is elts where.

It is interesting that the Black Widow had to drop her wheels to engage the Ju-87s. I had never thought of that. Also the P-61C I think would have helped fix some of its problums the radar for one looks like a better unit.

[Erich]

fire away Willow !! The squadron signal small booklet is a good start as well as Gary Papes two excellent volumes............on the Widow

[brad]

i think i voted for the mossie

[plan_D]

I voted for the Mosquito although I am disapointed in the lack of votes for the Bf-110 it was a great night interceptor. I think it was a great bomber destroyer in general, as long as the bomber formation wasn't escorted.

[Erich]

the Bf 110G was the standard equipment for the Nachtjagd until the Ju 88G came along and then there was not much to compare between the two. I have made those points clear earlier. Every crewman I have interviewed wished they had the Ju 88G at their disposal earlier in the war.

too bad for them......

[plan_D]

The Bf-110G was outclassed by the JU88G but still it wasn't completely useless, and it did have some success against bombers early war.

[Erich]

obviously not as II, III, and IV./NJG 1 kept the unit

[plan_D]

Obviously not what? That the Ju88G wasn't better than the Bf-110G? Or that the Bf-110 didn't have success against bombers?

[Erich]

obviously all units in 1945 did not fly the Ju 88G-6. they should have though. NJG 1 since based to the northern coast could meet the RAF on the way in and before reaching the coast on the way back to England so a long distnce night fighter was not needed. the Bf 110G-4 served the purpose for this NJG just fine. the Bf 110 was in mix with the Ju 88 in south with NJG 6.

E ~ this is what I meant. Verstehen ?

[plan_D]

I never said the Bf-110 was replaced though. So, how could you say obviously not? I said it was outclassed, not replaced.