The German Me 163 Komet, a rocket-powered defensive fighter, was one of the most unusual aircraft of WW II. Fortunately, its potential impact was minimized by technical problems and the small number produced.
The Me 163 was the end result of a long line of tailless research aircraft designed by Dr. Alexander Lippisch. The first Me 163A prototypes were tested in 1941, but powered flight testing of the more advanced Me 163B was delayed until August 1943 due to engine and fuel problems. Although the Komet's rocket engine gave it an exceptional climb rate, range was severely limited by its high fuel consumption. Furthermore, the fuels used were extremely hazardous and sometimes exploded without warning, killing a number of pilots.
Production Me 163Bs were not ready for operational use until July 1944. The Luftwaffe planned to have small units of Komets dispersed to intercept Allied bomber formations, but only 279 Me 163Bs were delivered by the end of the war. The sole operational Komet group, JG 400, scored nine kills while losing 14 of its own aircraft.
To launch this revised physics model:
1) Put throttle at maximum thrust
2) Aim the computer mouse so that you are pointing up as high as you can
3) Give the model around 1/2 up elevator
4) Tap the mouse left button to launch.
5) Gain control of the model
A very fast 200+ mph aircraft. Flies similarly to the model in YouTube video
The Me 163 was the end result of a long line of tailless research aircraft designed by Dr. Alexander Lippisch. The first Me 163A prototypes were tested in 1941, but powered flight testing of the more advanced Me 163B was delayed until August 1943 due to engine and fuel problems. Although the Komet's rocket engine gave it an exceptional climb rate, range was severely limited by its high fuel consumption. Furthermore, the fuels used were extremely hazardous and sometimes exploded without warning, killing a number of pilots.
Production Me 163Bs were not ready for operational use until July 1944. The Luftwaffe planned to have small units of Komets dispersed to intercept Allied bomber formations, but only 279 Me 163Bs were delivered by the end of the war. The sole operational Komet group, JG 400, scored nine kills while losing 14 of its own aircraft.
To launch this revised physics model:
1) Put throttle at maximum thrust
2) Aim the computer mouse so that you are pointing up as high as you can
3) Give the model around 1/2 up elevator
4) Tap the mouse left button to launch.
5) Gain control of the model
A very fast 200+ mph aircraft. Flies similarly to the model in YouTube video
