The Messerschmitt bf110 was designed to fulfill the role of heavy fighter, to protect the bombers at long range. Early in World War Two, against limited opposition, the Messerschmitt bf110 performed the function well. During the Battle of Britain teh bf110 was up against two modern single seat fighters, the Hawker Hurrican and Supermarine Spitfire, which outperformed it and inflicted heavy casualties on the bf110 squadrons.