Messerschmitt Me 163B Komet
by Erik Simonsen
Title
Messerschmitt Me 163B Komet
Artist
Erik Simonsen
Medium
Digital Art - Photographs & Digital Illustrations
Description
Messerschmitt Me 163B Komet - View of an Me 163B Komet leveling off after completing an approximate 70-degree climbing near vertical attack pass on a B-17 formation. The Me 163B was capable of reaching a maximum speed of approximately 607 mph (Mach 0.92) during its limited 7.5-minute rocket engine burn. With its rocket fuel expended, the Me 163B passes over several B-17Gs, lowers its nose and aims for another group of Allied bombers. The exotic looking tailless Me 163B was fielded with the Luftwaffe late in the war, and over 300 were produced. However, because of a limited fuel-burn time the Komet was relatively ineffective as an interceptor. Armed with two 30mm cannons, the high-speed aircraft required special piloting skills to bring down a bomber. Only 16 bomber kills were credited to the Me 163B during its brief service life. Additionally, the corrosive and extremely toxic fuel caused numerous operational problems. USAAF bomber escort fighters eventually learned to time the engine-burn, and attack the Me 163s as they were gliding back to their bases.
Uploaded
August 22nd, 2021
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