Early in 1935, a request was issued by the RLM for a study of a fast bomber (Schnellbomber) to three competing companies: the Junkers  (Ju 88 ,winner),  Henschel ( Hs 127 ) and Messerschmitt ( Bf 162 ). Five prototypes were ordered.in 1936  plus  65 aircraft  ordered in the 1937/38 purchasing program : , later cancelled  as the Ju 88 won the competition.
Type 3-seat fast bomber  ( V1, V2 ) 3-seat fast bomber  ( V3 )
Engine 2 Daimler-Benz DB 600D 2 Daimler-Benz DB 600Aa
Dimensions Length 12,75 m, height 3,58 m, span 17,16 m, wing area
Weights Empty 4400 kg, loaded 5800 kg
Performance Max- speed 480 km/h at 3400 m,  426 km/h at sea level, max. cont. cruising speed  426 km/h at 3400 m, range 780 km, initial climb 9,0 m/sec.
Armament 2 MG 15 + 10 x 50kg bombs, additional two 250kg externally as overload.
Type Werk.Nr Registration History
V1 817 D-AIXA First flight 26/2 1937. Scrapped after trials
V2 818 D-AOBE First flight 31/10 1937. Used for towing the Me 163A at Augsburg . Also used for propaganda as the "Jaguar"
V3 819 D-AOVI First flight 7/7 1938. Delivered to Rechlin
V4 - V5 Not finished, parts were used in the Bf 110C production