Messerschmitt Me-163 'Komet' by junge1

Photography • Aviation • posted on Mar 30, 2012

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Description

The Me-163 'Komet' was designed by Dr. Alexander Lippisch and development began in 1937. The first Me-163A prototypes were tested in 1941, but powered flight testing of the more advanced Me-163B was delayed until August 1943 due to engine and fuel problems. Although the Komet's rocket engine gave it an exceptional climb rate, range was severely limited by its high fuel consumption. Furthermore, the fuels used were extremely hazardous [T-Stoff (80% concentrated hydrogen peroxide/20%oxyquinoline), C-Stoff (methanol-hydrazine mixture)] and sometimes exploded without warning, killing a number of pilots. Production Me-163Bs were not ready for operational use until July 1944. The Luftwaffe planned to have small units of Komets dispersed to intercept Allied bomber formations, but only 279 Me-163Bs were delivered by the end of the war. The sole operational Komet group, JG400, scored nine kills while losing 14 of its own aircraft. This Me-163B (S/N 191095) may have been sabotaged while under construction. A small stone was wedged between the fuselage fuel tank and a supporting strap, and there was contaminated glue in the wing structure. Inside the aircraft skin are these words 'Manufacture Ferme' and 'Mon coeur est en chomage'. This aircraft was owned and restored by the Canadian National Aviation Museum and acquired by the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in 1999. Technical data: Span: 30-ft. 7 1/3 in. Length: 19-ft. 2 1/3 in. Height: 9-ft 2/3 in. (on takeoff dolly) Engine: Walter HWK 509A-2 rocket with 3,748 lbs. thrust Maximum speed: 596 mph Initial climb rate: 16,000-ft. per minute Combat range: about 50 miles Ceiling: 39,500-ft. Maximum powered endurance: 7.5 minutes Armament: Two 30mm MK 108 cannons This picture was taken on 8 June 2010, Sig...

Comments (31)

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flaviok

6:44PM | Fri, 30 March 2012

Fantástica imagem e captura meu amigo, aplausos (5)

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Faemike55

6:59PM | Fri, 30 March 2012

Very cool capture and great information. I remember reading a little about this plane, but that was years ago

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blinkings

7:03PM | Fri, 30 March 2012

Great shot of this little 'spontaneous combustion' machine!

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alessimarco

8:49PM | Fri, 30 March 2012

~Cool plane and great capture!~

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jocko500

10:07PM | Fri, 30 March 2012

wow never saw one of these.

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bobrgallegos

10:18PM | Fri, 30 March 2012

Outstanding capture of this awesome plane Sig!!! Very interesting information!!

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renecyberdoc

1:19AM | Sat, 31 March 2012

impressive and nice info.

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jayfar

2:03AM | Sat, 31 March 2012

Just think what course the war would have taken if they had got it right!! Super shot and info.

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auntietk

2:33AM | Sat, 31 March 2012

It's a cute little thing! :)

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UteBigSmile

2:59AM | Sat, 31 March 2012

Sehr schnittig und messerschraf diese kleinen Ungeheuer!

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bazza

3:43AM | Sat, 31 March 2012

Great capture Sig..

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kgb224

4:20AM | Sat, 31 March 2012

Stunning capture my friend. God Bless.

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rocdan

6:06AM | Sat, 31 March 2012

FANTASTIC SHOT ,ONE OF THE FIRST JETS WELL DONE

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Briney

6:18AM | Sat, 31 March 2012

Never could understand the kind of mind that uses forced labour to build a precision weapon... clearly it was someone not expecting to go "up" in one?

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ysvry

7:42AM | Sat, 31 March 2012

great foto and story, shows you better not depend on slaves for arms production.

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debbielove

7:42AM | Sat, 31 March 2012

Here, I thought! I know where this is....I've seen this (well hidden) little beauty before! I have been here! lol Great write up, and excellent photo Sig.. Well posted.. Nice to see it appearing! Good one! Rob

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Maxidyne

7:45AM | Sat, 31 March 2012

I remember seeing one of these many years ago at the IWM, was impressed by it's shape then and still am now. Not sure i'd want to fly one though. Excellent shot!

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