Messerschmitt Bf 162
Messerschmitt · Germany · first flew 1937 · bomber
The Messerschmitt Bf 162 was a German twin-engined fast bomber prototype developed in parallel with the Bf 110 heavy fighter, embodying the Schnellbomber concept of a bomber too fast for enemy fighters to intercept. It did not progress to production as the Do 17 was preferred.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.75 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- German twin-engine fast bomber prototype of 1937
- Shares design lineage with the Bf 110 heavy fighter
- Speed was its primary asset — a 'Schnellbomber' concept aircraft
Closely resembles the Bf 110 in layout — twin-engine low-wing monoplane with a glazed nose — but distinguished by its single-fin tail and shorter, more slender fuselage optimised for speed over heavy armament.
Specifications
- The Messerschmitt Bf 162 has a length of 12.75 m (42 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 17.16 m (56 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 480 km/h (298 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Flying in 1937, the Bf 162 competed in the fast bomber requirement that was ultimately won by the Dornier Do 17. Three prototypes were evaluated; the design's performance was impressive but the Luftwaffe chose to concentrate on existing types already in production.
Variants
Three prototypes were built; no production variants were developed.
Where you'll see it
Never entered operational service; evaluated as prototypes only.
Related aircraft
- Messerschmitt Bf 109 D
- Messerschmitt Bf 109B-1
- Messerschmitt Bf 109E
- Messerschmitt Bf 110
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- Amiot 350 family
- Arado Ar 195
- Boeing XB-15
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