Messerschmitt Me 163

The Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet was the only operational rocket fighter aircraft. It required a lengthy development process and entered the war in a very limited fashion only in 1944.

Specifications (Me 163B-1)

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 5.70 m (18 ft 8 in)
• Wingspan: 9.33 m (30 ft 7 in)
• Height: 2.75 m (9 ft 0 in)
• Wing area: 18.5 m² (200 ft²)
• Empty: 1,905 kg (4,200 lb)
• Loaded: 3,950 kg (8,710 lb)
• Maximum takeoff: 4,310 kg (9,500 lb)
• Powerplant: 1× Walter 109-509A-2 rocket, 17 kN (3,800 lbf) thrust

Performance

• Maximum speed: 960 km/h (596 mph)
• Endurance: 8 minutes
• Combat range: km ( miles)
• Service ceiling: 12,100 m (39,700 ft)
• Rate of climb: 3,666 m/min (11,730 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 213 kg/m² (43 lb/ft²)
• Thrust/weight: 0.42 lbf/lb (4.3 N/kg)

Armament

• 2× 30 mm MK 108 cannons