General Information

Serial #

316310/18

Part Number

1

Total Parts

2

AKA

N/A

Patents

N/A

General Description

METAL

Dimensions

Note: These reflect the general size for storage and are not necessarily representative of the object's true dimensions.

Length

5.9 m

Width

9.3 m

Height

2.8 m

Thickness

N/A

Weight

N/A

Diameter

N/A

Volume

N/A

Lexicon

Group

Aviation

Category

Aircraft

Sub-Category

N/A

Manufacturer

AKA

Messerschmitt

Country

Germany

State/Province

Unknown

City

Augsburg

Context

Country

Unknown

State/Province

Unknown

Period

This aircraft was assembled in 1945, captured the same year, and shipped to Canada in 1946. Stored in Calgary, it was sent to Rockcliffe in 1964. It was refinished in the markings of I JG/400.

Canada

Unknown

Function

Unknown

Technical

As the only operational rocket-powered fighter of Second World War, the Komet was designed to exceed the performance of conventional aircraft. Originally tested as a glider, the tailless design incorporated a wheeled dolly dropped during takeoff, and a landing skid under the fuselage. The Komet first flew operationally in May 1944. Though the Komet was not a significant factor in German air defence, the German Air Force took delivery of 339 and flew them until the end of the war. With only 7.5 minutes of full power, the Komet climbed to operational altitude, then glided to a landing after its fuel was exhausted. With power either turned on or off, flight at altitude consisted of gliding interspersed with short bursts of power. Combustion in the temperamental rocket motor depended upon the critical mixture of two chemicals which generated extreme heat when combined. The aircraft was prone to explosion upon landing if fuel remained in the tanks. Despite exceptional flying characteristics, the Komet was unsuccessful as an interceptor because of its fast closing speed and slow-firing, short-range cannon. A pilot had to be very good or very lucky to hit a target.

Area Notes

Unknown

Details

Markings

N/A

Missing

From CA of 09/29/1999 by Corey Stephen: Yes - No - See condition report.

Finish

PAINTED GREEN

Decoration

N/A