Messerschmitt Me 163B-1a Komet

  • Period: Second World War (1939-1945)
  • Uses: Interceptor
  • First Flight: August 1943
  • Display Status: On the Museum Floor.

As the only operational rocket-powered fighter of Second World War, the Komet was designed to exceed the performance of conventional aircraft. Originally tested as a glider, the tailless design incorporated a wheeled dolly dropped during takeoff, and a landing skid under the fuselage. The Komet first flew operationally in May 1944. Though the Komet was not a significant factor in German air defence, the German Air Force took delivery of 339 and flew them until the end of the war.

With only 7.5 minutes of full power, the Komet climbed to operational altitude, then glided to a landing after its fuel was exhausted. With power either turned on or off, flight at altitude consisted of gliding interspersed with short bursts of power. Combustion in the temperamental rocket motor depended upon the critical mixture of two chemicals which generated extreme heat when combined. The aircraft was prone to explosion upon landing if fuel remained in the tanks. Despite exceptional flying characteristics, the Komet was unsuccessful as an interceptor because of its fast closing speed and slow-firing, short-range cannon. A pilot had to be very good or very lucky to hit a target.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: 191916 (GAF)
  • Manufacturer: Klemm Technik GmbH, Germany
  • Manufacture Date: 1945
  • Construction #: Unknown
  • Aquisition Date: 1964
  • Provenance: Transfer from RCAF

This aircraft was assembled in 1945, captured the same year, and shipped to Canada in 1946. Stored in Calgary, it was sent to Rockcliffe in 1964. It was refinished in the markings of I JG/400.

Specifications

Wing Span:
9.3 m (30 ft 6 in)
Length:
5.9 m (19 ft 4 1/4 in)
Height:
2.8 m (9 ft 2 1/4 in)
Weight, Empty:
1,905 kg (4,200 lb)
Weight, Gross:
4,310 kg (9,502 lb)
Cruising Speed:
925 km/h (575 mph)
Max Speed:
955 km/h (593 mph)
Rate of Climb:
4,875 m (16,000 ft) /min
Service Ceiling:
12,190 m (40,000 ft)
Range:
185 km (115 mi)
Power Plant:
one Walter HWK 109.509A-2 rocket engine, 1,700 kg (3,748 lb), static thrust