04-2019 MIKROLOTNICTWO - 08 - ODRZUTOWCE II WOJNY ŚWIATOWEJ

The Messerschmitt Me-163 Komet is a German rocket-powered fighter in a tailless mid-wing system with oblique wings and a mixed design. The flight of the prototype took place on February 13, 1941, but the entry into the line units took place only in 1944. The beginnings of the Me-163 date back to gliders and tailless airplanes constructed by prof. Lippisch, and especially DFS-194. It was this design that formed the basis of the Me-163A. The first flight of this machine with a rocket engine took place in 1941, and the engine was Walter HWK R.II. The following years are the time of trials and tests with a revolutionary design and the same drive. A new engine was also used - Walter HWK 109-509B-1. The first unit to fly the Me-163 was the 16th Experimental Unit, and shortly thereafter also the Group from the Jagdgeschwader 400. Their task was to develop tactics and undergo training on new machines. The first combat use took place in July 1944. Until the end of the war, these machines were used as fighters to intercept Allied bombers. In total, there were about 280 aircraft of this type in the line. The Me-163 was undoubtedly a revolutionary machine - the new propulsion and unusual shape made it a very characteristic aircraft with a considerable maximum speed, exceeding the performance of allied aircraft. However, it should be remembered that it was difficult to pilot, after landing it was completely defenseless and could operate rather from paved runways. In addition, the fuel mixture tended to self-ignite. One should also remember about the dramatically short range, which effectively limited its combat use. Technical data (version Me-163B): length: 5.98m, wingspan: 9.33m, height: 2.75m, maximum speed: 959km / h, rate of climb: 160m / s, maximum range: 100km, maximum ceiling 12,100m , armament: fixed - two 30mm MK108 cannons.