Q&A ยท 29:13-29:30

What a Bf 110 torpedo bomber would require

Why the German twin-engine fighter had some potential for torpedo attack but lagged behind work on a Stuka conversion.

Question

Would the Messerschmitt Bf 110 have made a good torpedo bomber?

Short answer

It might have worked after considerable development, but Germany pursued the Stuka more seriously for torpedo attack.

Notes

The Bf 110 had enough potential to become a torpedo bomber after substantial development. The existing fighter airframe was not ready to assume the mission without modification and testing. German work appears to have concentrated on fighter-bomber uses for the Bf 110 rather than a torpedo version. The Stuka received more serious attention for torpedo attack, making it the more mature German route into the role.