DFS DFS 194
Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Segelflug · Germany · first flew 1940 · fighter
The DFS 194 was a German experimental tailless swept-wing aircraft designed by Alexander Lippisch at DFS, intended to test the configuration that led directly to the Me 163 Komet rocket interceptor. First flown in 1940 with a Walter rocket motor, it achieved speeds validating the concept.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × rocket, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.7 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Early rocket/jet testbed with tailless swept wing
- Walter rocket motor in tail, pilot in nose
- DFS 194 — precursor to Messerschmitt Me 163
A compact tailless swept-wing monoplane with the rocket motor exhausting under the rear fuselage and a conventional fin; the absence of a horizontal tail immediately distinguishes it from contemporaries.
Specifications
- The DFS DFS 194 has a length of 6.7 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 550 km/h (342 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Lippisch developed the DFS 194 design at DFS before transferring to Messerschmitt to continue work on the rocket fighter concept. The aircraft demonstrated the viability of the delta-like swept tailless layout at high speed. Its successful trials were a decisive step toward the operational Me 163.
Variants
A single prototype was completed; no production variants existed.
Where you'll see it
Never entered service; operated purely as a research aircraft by DFS/RLM test establishments in Germany.
Related aircraft
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