R.A.F. FIGHTER

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 186, 3 May 1940, Page 9

R.A.F. FIGHTER

Superiority Of Pilots Demonstrated OPPOSING MODERN MESSERSCHMITT [British Oflicial Wireless.) (Received May 2, 7.5 p.m.) RUGBY, May 1. The real merits of the German Messerschmitt 110 have been the subject of some speculation arising out of the successes obtained over him by British pilots in Hurricane fighters. The speed and armament of the German machine —350 miles an hour, two shell guns and four fixed guns as well as two movable guns firing aft—sound a formidable proposition, especially as the crew is two against the one carried by the Hurricane.

Informed quarters point out, however, that power of manoeuvre is often more important than speed and armament, while the factor of supreme importance is the pilot. It is authoritatively stated that on almost every occasion that British Hurricanes have met Messerschmitts, whether 109 or 110, the Nazis have been in the majority. Yet in every instance the R.A.F. pilots attacked unhesitatingly and usually with success.