Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet
Messerschmitt · German Reich · first flew 1941 · fighter
The Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet was the world's first, and only operational, rocket-powered fighter aircraft, capable of speeds far exceeding any contemporary Allied aircraft. Its extremely short powered endurance and hazardous propellants limited its tactical effectiveness.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × rocket, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 5.69 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tailless swept-wing rocket interceptor — no conventional tail surfaces
- Walter HWK 509 rocket motor giving extreme climb rate
- World's first operational rocket-powered fighter aircraft
Unmistakable: a tiny tailless swept-wing aircraft with a dorsal intake, no horizontal tail, and a cruciform ventral fin; takes off on a jettisonable trolley and lands on a belly skid.
Specifications
- The Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet has a length of 5.69 m (19 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.3 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 960 km/h (597 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Based on Alexander Lippisch's DFS 194 research glider, the Me 163 first flew under power in 1941 and entered Luftwaffe service with JG 400 in 1944. Although it could intercept Allied bombers almost at will in terms of speed, its fuel lasted only 7–8 minutes and landing accidents were frequent.
Variants
The Me 163B-1a was the main production interceptor; the Me 163S was a two-seat unpowered trainer; the projected Me 163C with a different engine did not enter service.
Where you'll see it
JG 400 was the sole operational unit; the Komet shot down a small number of Allied bombers at severe cost from accidents and strafing attacks on its vulnerable landing run. Japan received design data and produced the Mitsubishi J8M Shusui.
Related aircraft
- Messerschmitt Me 321 Gigant
- Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-2
- Messerschmitt Bf 109F
- Messerschmitt Bf 109G
- Bisnovat SK-2
- Boulton Paul P.92
- Brewster SB2A Buccaneer
- Curtiss P-40 E Kittyhawk
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.