Me 163 Komet (oz16518)

About this Plan

Me 163 Komet. Control line profile trainer model.

Quote: "KOMET. The fastest fighter of WWII in profile form - and with stabilizer added - makes a good 1/2A Trainer or a Mouse Racer.

THIS PARTICULAR model was built primarily as an unusual 1/2-A trainer type plane, but I added a horizontal stabilizer so that it would more closely conform to the usual in flight. The Cox "Black Widow" engine was to be its power source. It will be necessary to rotate the tank to match the drawings. I highly recommend this engine for power and consistency in flight. The model was built without landing gear for ease of construction. Besides, small models seldom make neat landings on grass fields. The construction drawing shows the model with wire skids and also with landing gear. Landing gear are specified for mouse racers, although only one wheel is required for qualification. The plane is an extremely fast and stable flier, but please do use a properly broken-in engine.

My paint job closely resembles an official color scheme used in WW II. It was copied from 'Fighters 1939-45' by Kenneth Munson. Read through and understand the construction procedure before you start. White glue, Elmers, Tite-Bond, etc. is used throughout except where noted.

The Me 163 Komet was originally designed in 1938 and flew as an unpowered glider in early 1941. The first rocket-powered trials started in August 1941, and by October speeds of over 620 mph were reached. The Air Ministry was duly impressed and ordered a production series of 70 aircraft which were completed and awaiting new engines by May of 1942. Unfortunately or fortunately it took until May of 1943 before the engines were ready and at this time even more aircraft had been built (total production was about 360 units).

In August 1944, the Me 163 was operational. The element of surprise made for many early combat successes. The plane could climb very rapidly to attack bomber formations which were unfamiliar with its high rate of speed and subsequently, they could not readily deal with this new weapon. It would attack very swiftly with its arrangement of two 30 mm-cannons and 24 rockets.

The Me 163 had no functional landing gear. It used a break away undercarriage to take off with. Once airborne it flew at an operational speed of 600 mph, making it the fastest fighter used in WW II. Its endurance and range were small though, eight minutes of fuel and only a 620-mile radius. Landing, of course, became quite hazardous without conventional landing gear. The returning fighter landed unpowered on its belly skid. Hopefully, all fuel had been exhausted, if not, explosion and fire sometimes followed.

Construction is relatively easy which is as it should be with a small 1/2-A trainer or mouse racer. We can start with the wing which will require a lot of sanding. Cut the pattern from the plans. Place the trailing edge over the end of a straight sheet of 4 inch by 1/4 medium soft balsa. At this point, you will note that you will have to butt splice onto the front portion to make the wing solid. With a razor blade or razor saw, cut at the wing tip and place the sheet of balsa so that the pattern completely covers it. With a ball-point pen transfer the wing pattern to the balsa and glue the two sections together. After the wing has dried, sand to airfoil shape, use a sanding block, and don't rush. Use a small piece of hardwood dowel or the hardwood button from a rubber-powered model for your bellcrank mount. It must be imbedded into the wing for strength. A small wood screw will be used to attach your bellcrank. The 1/16 plywood line guide is cut out next..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 23/12/2025: Added vectorPDF and CAD (dxf and dwg) versions of this plan, thanks to Valeria367.

Quote: "Hi, Steve and Mary. Good morning. Some time ago, I bought one copy of the plan of DeMarco Me 163 Komet (oz16518). And I made the vectorial version of the plan. Today, when I saw you had added that plan to the collection, I have decided to send you that vector version. As usual, I send the vectorial pdf file, plus both CAD vectorial versions: DWG and DXF. Greetings, from your friend. Valeria367."

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