-
Komet "Yellow 15" with its European splinter camouflage. Mid-wing MK108 cannons fired 30mm shells which was quite effective against US bombers, combat reports stated it only took 3 direct hits to bring down enemy  bomber, but as previously stated Komet's speed negated pilot's ability to accurately aim weapon on target approach. Although first Komet enemy encounter occurred in July 1944, its first combat flight took place on 13 May 1944 over Bad Zwischenahn (WW2 largest Luftwaffe airbase in northern Germany and also heavily bombed by Allies) by the 16th Erpobungscommando. Bad Zwischenahn - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Zwischenahn
-
Inset 1 : In for the kill, combat painting showing Komet launched from close-proximity airbases against USAAF bomber formations over central and eastern Germany. Given its maximum 7-minute flight duration, Komet combat action was brief before fuel exhaustion compelled it to land via glide mode. Although Komet's speed negated its ability to accurately fire its internal cannons, US bomber crews also had difficulty visually tracking and hitting the Komet since they were trained to target propeller-based aircrafts, which flew at 150 to 200mph less than the Komet. Me 163B Komet - www.xs4all.nl/~robdebie/me163.htm
-
May 1944 Komet flight was famous for not being only the first operational rocket fighter, but also the first time and last time a Komet (aircraft PK+QL) was painted bright red ! Story has it that Komet ground crew wanted to fame the rocket fighter's first maiden flight and unilaterally decided to paint it red to be as auspicious as possible and also a morale booster. However, Komet's pilot Wolfgang Spate was not amused, considered by 1944 airspace over Germany were dominated by marauding Allied fighters, sight of a conspicuous red aircraft would definitely draw attention to itself. Upon Komet's maiden flight, Spate immediately ordered Komet to be repainted with standard German European splinter camouflage. Späte's red Komet - 310050/V41/PK+QL - www.xs4all.nl/~robdebie/me163/pkql.htm
-
Rollover : Streamlined Komet Walter HWK 509A-2 rocket engine with 3,750-lb thrust, nestle immediately behind pilot. It used a bi-propellant chemical mixture of hydrogen peroxide (T-Stoff) and hydrazine/methanol (C-Stoff). Its violate combination produced enormous acceleration and speed, its leakage from fractured fuel pods (either from combat or landings) also resulted in fiery explosion. On tailfin, Halkenkruez (swastika) is standard WW2 German insignia. Linguistically, term "Swastika" is of Hindi-origin, some say its originated from primitive fabric-weaving cultures, other say it derives from sun worship. Swastika - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swastika
-
Interest aspect is Hindi language influence upon modern English via 300 hundred years of British colonialism on South Asia region, which in turn was adopted into American English vernacular. Many words used today can trace to its Hindi roots such as Shampoo (lather), Loot, Bandanna (dyed cloth), Pundit (learned), Thug, Swastika, Khaki (mud color camouflage) and Pyjama (Pajama). Exception is Hindi word for tea "Chai", which is phonetic rendition from Chinese word "Cha". Hindi words in English - bhashaindia.com/Patrons/LanguageTech/Hindiwords.htm
-
Inset 2 : Illustration showing Komet's 7-minute combat action after launch from airbase, it would rocket up to circa 30,000 feet above bomber stream, dive down and attack through formation. Rollover : use built-up momentum to  pivot up for attack from below, repeat this maneuver until near fuel exhaustion. World War 2 Luftwaffe Interceptors - lsimkin.bravehost.com/luft/
|
