In 1934, the Luftwaffe issued a requirement for a long-range fighter capable of escorting bombers to and from targets beyond the range of single-engined fighters. It also needed to be able to defend itself, carry up to three crewmembers and be of all-metal construction, armed with machine guns and cannon and capable of carrying bombs. Only three companies came up with suitable designs: the Focke Wulf Fw 57, the Henschel Hs 124 and the Messerschmitt Bf 110. The third candidate proved to be far superior in speed, range and armament and easily won the contract. For what would become a Zerstorer (Destroyer) fighter aircraft.
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