A rocket-powered point-defense interceptor that became the only operational rocket fighter to conduct combat missions.
Development
Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet was developed by Messerschmitt A.G. in Germany (1933–1945) as a interceptor. The family first flew in 1941 and entered service in 1944. Its recorded airframe configuration is fixed wing, with the family classified in the archive as core combat-aircraft scope.
Operational History
Operationally, Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet is represented primarily in the interceptor role. The sourced variant records include service with Luftwaffe (1935–1945). Its documented combat-history coverage includes World War II. Role tags attached to the family include air superiority.
Variants and Lineage
Major variants represented in the structured record include Me 163 B-1a.
Variants
| Designation | Type | Role | Recorded operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Me 163 B-1a | Production | Interceptor | Luftwaffe (1935–1945) |
Representative specifications
Configuration-specific profiles are shown separately so values from different variants are not blended into one false “standard” aircraft.
Me 163 B-1a — C012 baseline technical profile
- Crew
- 1
Powerplant: 1 × Walter HWK 109-509 rocket motor
Armament: Two 30 mm MK 108 cannon.
Sources and further reading
Structured references supporting this aircraft family, variants, specifications, and narrative sections.
- Messerschmitt Me 163B-1a Komet — Royal Air Force Museum · Tier 2
- German Aircraft of the Second World War: Including Helicopters and Missiles — Putnam · Tier 3