Messerschmitt Me 163
rocket interceptor developed by Messerschmitt late in World War II
The Messerschmitt Me 163 is a German military aircraft used during World War II. It was a rocket-powered aircraft. It was designed by Lippisch.[1]
| Messerschmitt Me 163 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Fighter aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Messerschmitt |
| First flight | 1941 |
| Introduction | 1945 |
| Retired | 1945 (Luftwaffe) |
| Primary user | Luftwaffe |
| Number built | 370 |
The plane weighed 4200 pounds when it was empty and almost 10,000 pounds when it was full. It could fly 560 miles per hour. During the last part of World War II, Messerchmitts fought B-17 bombers over Germany. About 18 B-17s were shot down and about 10 Messerschmitts were shot down.[1]
The fuel the Messerschmitts used sometimes exploded.[1]
Additional references
change- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Plane Facts: Rocket Planes". Plane and Pilot Magazine. February 25, 2020. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
- Mondey, David (1996). Axis Aircraft of World War II. Chancellor Press, London. ISBN 1851529667.
