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Messerschmitt Komet

The rocket-powered Komet was the fastest aircraft of the Second World War.

Yet despite its speed, the Komet was not as successful in combat as expected, only shooting down nine Allied aircraft for a loss of 14 Komets.

This aircraft was built in Nazi Germany by slave labour. It was assembled by the Junkers aircraft company from parts built by several manufacturers. You can find out more about the Komet here.

Messerschmitt Komet fact file

Date:    1945
Mark: Me 163B-1a
Crew: 1 (pilot)
Top speed:  596 mph (960 km/h)
Range: 50 miles (80 km/h)
Weapons: 2 x 30mm MK 108 cannons

Captain Eric Brown with the Messerschmitt Komet

Above: Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown photographed in September 2015 beside our Komet, the aircraft he flew in June 1945.

Messerschmitt Komet

Cockpit view

Komet cockpit

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