Messerschmitt Me-163B-1 „Komet“ – the German rocket fighter

In 1938 designer Professor Alexander Lippisch of the DFS (German Gliding Institute) began design work on a tailless experimental rocket-powered aircraft, named "DFS-194". In 1939 the project was handed over to Messerschmitt. Professor Lipiš began work on the design of the new Me-163A rocket fighter, which was also a tailless design. Prototypes V4 and V5 were completed in 1941 and took to the air for the first time as gliders - engines not installed. In August 1941 the Me-163A-V4 made its first flight with the installed rocket engine "Walter" HWK R.II, which developed a thrust of 7.5 kN, on October 2 a maximum speed of 1004 km/h was reached. Construction work on the combat version of the Me-163B has begun, and the 13 Me-163As produced have been handed over to training squadrons. The Me-163B was comprehensively redesigned, a new "Walter 509" engine was installed, which burned two-component fuel: T-stoff - hydrogen dioxide and C-stoff - a mixture of hydrazine with methyl alcohol, which were mixed in the combustion chamber. Prototype V3 was completed in May 1942 and serial production of versions B-0 and B-1 began immediately. By the time the engines were introduced, around 40 aircraft had been built. And only after the engines were installed did the flight tests begin. About 320 aircraft were produced, of which only 279 entered combat units and saw very limited use. They are used for attacks by formations of "Flying Fortresses", flying over the territory of the Third Reich. In combat action, the only active fighter of I Gruppe JG 400 claimed 9 "Fortresses" shot down, losing 14 of its own aircraft. Most of them were lost in accidents, when the remaining fuel in the tanks exploded during landing. 5 Me-163s were shot down by the Allies.

A simple, well-detailed airplane model for this scale with minimalistic cockpit detailing. Therefore, it is perfect even for beginner modelers, working under the supervision of a more experienced colleague. Only such modelers are not recommended to make cabin interior equipment and transparent cabin glass. The model recreates the Me-163B-1 of 2/JG 400, based at Brandiz, Germany in July 1944.