NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet aircraft were the only operational rocket-powered interceptors and the fastest flying aircraft of World War II.
In the 1920's Professor Alex Lippisch developed the first successful tailless gliders. In 1938, Professor Lippisch became responsible for the German rocket test program.
This was to become the Messerschmitt Me163 Komet program. When Lippisch was transferred to Messerschmitt in 1939 the aircraft was modified into an interceptor.
The rocket engine propelling the Komet was fed from two tanks containing fuels that, when combined, would ignite. By careful metering the combination of fuels, a controlled reaction was produced that could drive the aircraft forward.
The Me 163 did not have landing gear. It took off on a wheeled dolly that fell to the ground once the aircraft was in the air. A single sprung skid was used for landings.
The first non rocket prototype Komet flew on Sept. 1, 1941. The aircraft flew under power on June 23, 1943 and were first deployed as interceptors in 1944.
The Messerschmitt Me 163 first saw action on July 28, 1944. With the best rate of climb of any World War II aircraft, it would quickly climb to intercept altitude where it would glide while waiting for the bomber formations.
Original armament of the rocket powered aircraft consisted of two 30 mm cannons in the wing roots. Although it had exceptional speed, the Komet could not be used to its advantage while making passes at bomber formations.
At approximately 600 mph, it closed on a B-17 so fast that, at best, it could only fire its cannons for 2 or 3 seconds. Most passes were therefore made in a diving glide.
A few Me 163 aircraft were eventually equipped with ten air to air rockets. Five were carried in each wing root. All ten rockets would be fired while making a full power pass under the Allied aircraft. There is a record of a single B-17 being downed in this manner on April 10, 1945.
Maximum powered flight duration for the aircraft was about 7 to 8 minutes. Allied fighter escort pilots found the Komet an easy target once it ran out of fuel and had no choice but to land.
Other casualties resulted from bad landings on their single skid, and the explosion of volatile rocket fuel. We are told, however, that the percentage of bad landings for the Komet was no worse than that of other fighter aircraft.
The last Komet aircraft produced were equipped with a bubble canopy, additional fuel tanks for extended range, cruising auxiliary rockets, and a pressurized cockpit.
The Japanese obtained partial plans for a Me 163 Komet. They were being carried to Japan in two submarines, but only one made it to its home port. Nevertheless, a single Japanese prototype did fly a single unsuccessful flight in 1945.
A total of approximately 450 Messerschmitt Me163 Komet aircraft of all types were built. Of those about 300 were deployed. Due to their short endurance under power, they accounted for the downing of only nine Allied bombers.
interceptor
one
Walter HWK509
3,750 lbs.
4,200 lbs.
9,500 lbs.
2- 30 mm
none
18' 8"
30' 7"
596 mph
16,400 fpm
54,000 feet
60 miles
6/23/43
1944
Radio Control Airplane
Bob Chubb and his rc Me-163 Komet
Radio Control Airplanes:
Pictured above is the RC Messerschmitt Me-163 Komet built by Bob Chubb from a Joe Saitta kit. It has a gas engine in the nose and weighs around 12 lbs.
Aerographics has a 1/23 scale RC Me163 Komet with a 16” wing span for sale. It can use Napier L2 or Jetex power.
Pictured immediately below is the Voster ARF Me-163 Komet rc airplane. It has a wing span of 27”. Recommended power is a Speed 480 race motor and a 5 x 5 propeller.
Gus Morfis has plans for a 31” wing span rc Me 163 Komet for sale. You may power it with a .12 to .15 engine.
The next picture below is of a rc Me 163 Komet from a Topp kit built by Emile van Essen. It is 1/10 scale with a 37” wing span and features an epoxy/glass fuselage with obechi sheeted foam wings. Topp recommends a 3.5 cc engine for their rc airplane, however Emile powers his Me-163 with a rocket engine.
Aviation Models Magazine will sell you plans for a slope soaring rc Me163 Komet. It has a 44.5” wing span and 2 channel control.
Nitro Planes has a rc Me-163 Komet ARF for sale. Wing span is is 40” and it is powered by a pusher prop Speed 400 engine.
The bottom picture on this page is of the rc Me-163 Komet from Fly Boy Models. It has a 60 1/2" wing span and a fuselage that is 40" long. Recommended power for the ARF comes from .46 to .53 two stroke or .53 to .61 two stroke engines.
Do you have a favorite Messerschmitt Me-163 Komet rc airplane? Email us.
Messerschmitt Me163 Komet
