Me 263 Rocket Interceptor — VOLUME TWO — (N°9 CLASSIC)
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The second volume of Stephen Ransom and Hans-Hermann Cammann's authoritative study of the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet rocket-powered interceptor. Published in 2003 as Luftwaffe Classic No. 9, this substantial illustrated reference covers combat operations, Allied encounters, pilot training, advanced variants and experimental developments. Richly documented with original photographs, eyewitness accounts, operational records and exceptional technical drawings.
Characteristics
| ISBN |
|
| Book cover finish(es) | Hardcover ( square back binding ) Dust jacket |
| Condition | Like NEW |
| Author(s) | Stephen Ransom, Hans-Hermann Cammann |
| Publisher | Classic Publications |
| Number of pages | 448 |
| Published date |
First published 2003 |
| Language(s) | English |
| Collection / Series | CLASSIC |
| Size | 23 x 31 cm |
Description
Me 163 Rocket Interceptor – Volume Two completes the extensive two-volume history of the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, Germany's remarkable rocket-powered fighter aircraft of the Second World War.
Where the first volume concentrates on the aircraft's design and development, this second volume follows the Me 163 into operational service, documenting its combat career, the experiences of its pilots and the challenges of employing such an unconventional interceptor against Allied bombing formations.
The authors draw on years of historical research, previously unpublished photographs, wartime documentation, combat reports and personal accounts from both German and Allied airmen.
Particular attention is given to the operations of Jagdgeschwader 400 during 1944–1945, including Allied encounters with the Komet over Germany. The book examines operational deployments, unit organisation, pilot training and the difficulties associated with the aircraft's unusual propulsion system and demanding flight characteristics.
Beyond combat operations, the study explores experimental and proposed developments, including the Me 163 C, Me 163 D and Ju 248, as well as Japanese rocket-aircraft programmes and the post-war fate of captured Me 163s.
Detailed technical drawings by Arthur Bentley and Eddie J. Creek provide valuable reference material for aviation researchers and scale modellers. Colour artwork by Thomas Tullis further enhances the presentation.
Contents and Research Highlights
The photographed table of contents confirms coverage of:
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Against Overwhelming Odds: I./JG 400 at Brandis, July 1944–April 1945
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From Pillar to Post: II./JG 400 at Stargard and Husum, October 1944–May 1945
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Bat-Ships: Mistaken identity and Allied encounters
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Learning to Ride a Tiger: Me 163 pilot training
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The Training Aircraft That Was Never Used for Training: Me 163 S
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No Further Than the Drawing-Board: Me 163 derivatives
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An Increase in Performance: Me 163 C, Me 163 D and Ju 248
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The Need for Trials: Erprobungskommando 16 and Luftwaffe trials
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Japanese Development: MXY8 Akikusa and J8M1 Shusui
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Where Are They Now?: Captured and surviving Me 163 aircraft
Extensive appendices include unit organisation, production summaries, operational flight logs, training records, sources, a glossary and corrections to Volume One.
Voices from the Back Cover
My first impression when I saw the jet-plane was that I was standing still. It seemed hopeless to try to attempt to overtake them, but my actions were prompted by a curiosity to get as close to them as possible. I believe that will be the reaction of every pilot that comes in contact with them.
Lt Col John B. Murphy, P-51 Mustang pilot, 370th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group, USAAF, August 1944
I had been scrambled to intercept enemy bombers. Unfortunately, as was often the case, the engine cut out during take-off. At 600 m, I pulled the fuel dump handle in order to get rid of all my C-Stoff as quickly as possible before turning to make a landing. Everything went according to plan. I landed with the skid extended, sped over the grass and then it happened – the dammed thing exploded!
Oblt. Franz Rösle, 1./JG 400
The Führer once again forbids any discussion and the spreading of rumours concerning the operations and performance of the Me 163 while it is still being developed and is available in only small numbers. All unit commanders are ordered to announce the Führer's directive immediately.
German High Command directive, 26 September 1944
I set course for a tail attack on a B-17 that was flying a little to one side of the main formation of bombers. I opened fire when within range and received, almost instantaneously, return fire from the tail gunner, some of his shells hitting the cockpit. My guns fell silent. The canopy was punctured and I noticed that the armoured glass panel in front of me was peppered from three of his shells. I was not injured apart from a small cut over my right eye caused by a fragment from the canopy. I immediately broke off my attack and attempted to jettison the canopy in case I had to bail out should the aircraft start to burn. At 600 km/h the canopy would not budge...
Lt. Günter Andreas, 2./JG 400
As ordered by the General der Jagdflieger, Ekdo 16 has taken over work in connection with the fitting of 24 R4M rockets under the wings of an Me 163. This installation is almost complete and is considered promising. It could be complemented by the vertically-firing weapon...
Report by Erprobungskommando 16, January 1945