Q&A ยท 1:17:20-1:18:24

Why the Thach Weave did not transfer neatly to the Bf 110

The proposed explanation turns on whether an attacking fighter can be drawn into another aircraft's fire, and whether the Bf 110's opponents offered that opportunity.

Question

Why might Bf 110 units not have developed formation tactics similar to the Thach Weave?

Short answer

The suggested reason is that the Bf 110 faced different opponents and performance relationships, making the same crossing mutual-support tactic less attractive.

Notes

One suggested explanation for the Bf 110 comparison is that the Thach Weave depended on a particular relationship between opposing fighters. An attacker fixated on one aircraft would follow it into the line of fire of its partner. The Bf 110's encounters with Spitfires, Hurricanes, Gladiators, MiGs, and Yaks did not offer the same favourable circumstances. Aircraft performance and pursuit behaviour therefore affected whether the crossing manoeuvre could provide mutual support.