Aircraft Photo of 191301 | Messerschmitt Me-163B-1A Komet | Germany - Air Force | AirHistory.net #44549
Aircraft
Registration / Serial:191301
Other Marks:FE-500
Aircraft Original Type:Messerschmitt Me-163 Komet
Aircraft Generic Type:Messerschmitt Me-163 Komet
Aircraft Version:Messerschmitt Me-163B-1A Komet
C/n (msn):191301
Operator Titles:Germany - Air Force
Location
City / Airport:Washington - Dulles InternationalMap
Region / Country:Virginia, United States
Airport Codes:ICAO: KIAD   IATA: IAD   Local: IAD   Other: -
Collection:National Air and Space Museum (Smithsonian) - Udvar-Hazy Center
 
Photo Date:11 April 2015
Photo by:Alastair T. Gardiner
Photo ID: 44549
Photo Comment

The operational history of this Komet, on display in unrestored condition at the Udvar-Hazy Center, is unknown. It was one of five brought to the US after WWII for evaluation, receiving the foreign equipment code FE-500 that is still visible. Gliding tests were completed but powered tests were abandoned after delamination of the aircraft's wooden wings was discovered. It was then stored at Norton AFB until 1954 when it was transferred to the Smithsonian. Note the Walter rocket motor in the foreground

This photo is copyright © Alastair T. Gardiner, and may not be used or published in any way without permission.

It was added on 21 February 2018, and has since been viewed 210 times.


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