War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

BI

2023-05-23T18:59:56Z

U11255467: The description called it a jet fighter, it's rocket-powered.

{{Specs-Card
|code=bi
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|market=items_BI (USSR)
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Raining Fire"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/6878-event-wargame-strategist-en|2020 Wargame "Strategist" event]], and is currently available for sale on the Marketplace.

Nicknamed the "Devil's Broomstick", the Bereznyak-Isayev BI was one of the world's first rocket-powered fighter aircraft. Envisaged as a short-range point interceptor, it features extremely high acceleration and climb rate, in return for extremely limited fuel.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 2,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 791 || 786 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 23.2 || 23.2 || 84.7 || 79.1 || rowspan="2" | 300
|-
! Upgraded
|807||799||22.8||23.0||116.6||100.0
|-
|}

[[File:BI Wiki Image 3.jpg|thumb|The BI taking off.]]

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || X || ✓ || X || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 320 || ~9 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 400 || < 410 || < 550 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="3" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="1" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Isaev D-1a || 1
| colspan="1" | 924 kg || colspan="2" | 233 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="2" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 0m fuel || 1m fuel
|-
| 300 kg || colspan="2" | Liquid-fuel rocket
| 1,134 kg || 1,629 kg || 1,650 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="3" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 0m fuel || 1m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 1,121 kgf || N/A
| 0.99 || 0.69 || 0.68
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 1,121 kgf (any speed) || N/A
| 0.99 || 0.69 || 0.68
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* 5.5 mm steel behind the pilot.
* 5.5 mm steel plate installed in the nose.
* 64 mm bulletproof glass in front of pilot
* Self-sealing fuel tanks* (7 under the cannon barrels, 8 behind pilot, 3 in rear fuselage)

<nowiki>*</nowiki>The fuel tanks are cylinder-shaped, not rectangular, like most planes' fuel tanks, allowing for more fuel tanks.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
[[File:BI Wiki Image 1.jpg|thumb|BI after using its two cannons to down a Ar 234.]]

=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|ShVAK (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 20 mm ShVAK cannons, nose-mounted (45 rpg = 90 total)

== Usage in battles ==

====Fuel management ====
Managing your fuel will allow your endurance to increase from 1 minute 57 seconds to over 13 minutes, only use the fuel you need to use.

To get the longest endurance out of its limited fuel amount, climb from the airfield at an angle of 70-80 degrees, at full throttle and as you hit 3,000 m, change the angle of the attack and throttle back to 30%. Adjust your climb angle to make sure that both speed and altitude continue increasing. This will allow you to travel to 5,000+ m without burning too much of your precious rocket fuel, you will need this for later in the battle. Once you have hit 5,000 m, throttle back to 14% and continue to climb and adjust your climb angle again to roughly 16 degrees. You can continue to climb at this angle until you see it fit not to do so.

When you hit the altitude you like, you can throttle back to 0% and just glide, with only minor adjustments to the throttle to stay in level flight.

==== Descending ====
The key to descending without locking up and crashing is to not point your nose straight down. Unlike other aircraft, the BI is able to gain a lot of speed even in a little descent. When the BI starts going over 700 km/h, pull up slowly and slow back down. When you push the nose back down, push the rudder all the way to the left or right. If you aren't losing speed fast enough, shift the plane 45 degrees to the left and right, with full rudder movements. This will slow you down.

Due to the BI being able to go over 900 km/h with ease and locking up at Mach 0.76, descending from height from 5,000 m needs to be carefully calculated based on the battle conditions in the match. If you descend to fast, due to a high angle of attack, you will lock up and crash into the ground, because you will be unable to pull out in time.

A high angle of attack for a descent is around -70 degrees, even using the ruder and shifting the BI to the left and right will not be enough.

A good angle of attack to descend is around -30 to -60, the steeper the angle faster you will go. When you descend keep your throttle at 0%, only when you are pulling out of the dive at the very end, after losing speed, they should be opened carefully.

==== Engaging in combat ====
[[File:BI Wiki Image 4.jpg|thumb|Cockpit of the BI.]]
The BI is similar to the [[Me 163 B]] - small amounts of fuel and ammo (low flight endurance) but with astonishing performance, being able to climb 80 degrees vertically. As such it excels in the interceptor role, climbing at a extremely high rate of up to 116.4 m/s in AB and 100 m/s in RB. Able to shoot down bombers and fighter bombers before exhausting the fuel supply and landing again. Don't be fooled by its acceleration into thinking it has a high top speed - the wings and elevators will lock up at Mach 0.76, making any manoeuvres impossible. Flying full throttle at 8,000 m will see you rip your wings off in level flight.

If engaged by an opponent, do not try to outrun them, instead use your manoeuvrability and acceleration to turn fight, your speed and small size are your greatest strengths. The BI only has 90 rounds of ammo, 45 rounds per gun. This is not a lot of ammo, so take care to make every shot count.

=====Engaging fighters=====
Fighting fighters in combat, aim for the wings and tail, aiming for wings with the limited ammo which the BI has will cause the wing fuel tanks to catch on fire. Aiming for the tail, will see that the tail gets cut clean from the fuselage, unlike a bomber a fighter is smaller and has less space for fired ammo to miss critical elements.

If the enemy fighter notices you attempting to sneak up on them, they will bank left or right, do not follow them in the turn, the BI cannot turn fight without losing its advantageous speed. Instead, disengage, throttle up, climb and come back around for another pass.

=====Engaging Bombers=====
Fighting bombers, aim for the wings and engines, aiming for the fuselage is unlikely to cause any critical hits unless you can hit the flight deck. Aiming for the wings increases the odds of hitting a wing spar and seeing the wing get ripped off with a short salvo. Aiming for engines will knock them out and possibly set fires inside of the wing-installed fuel tanks. The larger area with more critical elements increase the odds of doing critical damage with the limited rounds which you have.

Do not stay behind the enemy bomber, their gunners will hit your rocket fuel tanks and will see the BI set on fire. If this occurs, break off the attack and dive as fast as you can, this will put the fire out. Then head back to the airfield and repair, and refuel.

==== Landing ====
To land the BI, you should keep about 5 to 10 seconds of fuel in case you need to go around due to a missed approach. When on approach, you will need to lose speed fast, which it can do. This is due to the BI not using the sleek low profile aerodynamic wings, as you find on other jets. However, to do this, you must reduce the speed down to under 420 km/h or your gear will be ripped off making the odds of crashing on landing very high.

To land the BI, flip the plane on its side, use the rudder during the turns to help cause more fiction with the air, which will start reducing its speed. Due to the shape of the BI which features great glider aerodynamics, it is able to fly at high speeds and keep the momentum even without any throttle being active. As soon as the BI touches the ground, apply the breaks and turn the rudder hard left and right to help slow it down.

Landing on short runways should be avoided or risk crashing at the end, the reason for this if you come into fast or high the BI will bounce, it will bounce to 150 m or more. Ideally you should head back to the main airfield which has the long landing strip to land on.

[[File:BI Wiki Image 2.jpg|thumb|BI attacking an enemy jet bomber.]]

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Amazing acceleration
* Great roll rate
* Excellent manoeuvrability
* Incredible climb rate; can climb at a whopping 70° when spaded
* Very small size makes successfully hitting it troublesome

'''Cons:'''

* Not very well armoured
* Only has landing flaps
* Can reach rip speed (Mach 0.81) while travelling in a straight line
* Very hard to pull out of a dive due to its great speed
* Maximum fuel load is only 1 minute and 57 seconds
* Very limited armament, only two ShVAK cannons with 45 rounds each

== History ==

Test Flight Log:

{| class="wikitable"
!Date
!Place
!Pilot
!Issues
|-
|October, 1941
| Lake Bilimbay
|Grigory Yakovlevich Bakhchivandzhi
|None
|-
|April, 1942
|Koltsove Airfield
|Grigory Yakovlevich Bakhchivandzhi
|None
|-
|May 15th, 1942 19:02 (UTC)
|Koltsove Airfield
|Grigory Yakovlevich Bakhchivandzhi
|Aircraft was damaged because of a hard landing and the pilot was injured.
|-
|March 27th, 1943
|Koltsove Airfield
|Grigory Yakovlevich Bakhchivandzhi
|Aircraft crashed and was severely damaged so the test flights were discontinued.
|}

=== [[wt:en/news/6873-development-crafting-event-strategist-bereznyak-isayev-en|Devblog]] ===
In the early 1940's, the OKB-293 aircraft design bureau began working on a new rocket-propelled aircraft design. The aircraft promised excellent performance figures, although at the expense of range due to the limitations of rocket engines at the time. After the invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, the design was seen as a potential short-range interceptor design to protect vital Soviet land installations from air raids. Thus, the project was approved for further development work and testing.

Development of the aircraft continued, with several prototypes being made and test flown. However, rapid advancements in aviation technology, especially the appearance of the jet engine, during the war outpaced the development of the BI. Therefore, the aircraft never left the prototype stage and didn't take part in active combat. Instead the aircraft's development served more as a testbed for Soviet rocket propulsion research, with the insights gained being later used for other projects during the Cold War.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bi Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" caption="BI Devblog Images" heights="200">
File:BI WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:BI WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:BI WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:BI WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
File:BI WTWallpaper 005.jpg|
File:BI WTWallpaper 006.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|2NgpHefq0hc|'''Rocket Planes''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 00:40 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|INb9VjLxKf0|'''Most unusual aircraft''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:44 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|WP9ouDTV81Q|'''A {{PAGENAME}}... to fly''' - ''Napalmratte''|llVOukVt1A4|'''The Shooting Range #218''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|Xbo38TOUWy4|'''🅱️i video''' - ''Rulo6000''}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6873-development-crafting-event-strategist-bereznyak-isayev-en|[Devblog] Crafting Event "Strategist": Bereznyak-Isayev]]
* [[wikipedia:Bereznyak-Isayev_BI-1|[Wikipedia] Bereznyak-Isayev BI-1]]

{{USSR jet aircraft}}

Me 163 B-0

2023-05-23T18:58:21Z

U11255467: The description called it a jet fighter, it's rocket-powered.

{{About
| about = German jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = Me 163 B
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=me-163b-0
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,500 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 943 || 933 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.2 || 22.3 || 26.6 || 23.8 || rowspan="2" | 357
|-
! Upgraded
| 966 || 955 || 21.8 || 22.0 || 46.3 || 36.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || X || ✓ || X || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 598 || N/A || 420 || ~10 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 790 || < 600 || < 690 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="3" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="1" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Walter HWK 109-509A-2 || 1
| colspan="1" | 1,990 kg || colspan="2" | 204 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="2" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 1m fuel || 6m fuel
|-
| 166 kg || colspan="2" | Liquid-fuel rocket
| 2,593 kg || 4,000 kg || 4,297 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="3" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 1m fuel || 6m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 1,700 kgf || N/A
| 0.66 || 0.42 || 0.40
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 1,700 kgf (any speed)|| N/A
| 0.66 || 0.42 || 0.40
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

The Me 163 B-0 is a glass (or in this case plywood) cannon. It takes very little damage to sever a wing or to set it on fire. However, as long as the plane doesn't spin out, you can fly relatively easily while missing wingtips or even a whole wing. One odd quirk of the Komet is that if the engine is set on fire, it cannot burnout due to the fire being unable to reach the wings or pilot. So if close enough to the airfield, it's possible to fly back to base to repair.

The plane can very easily rip off its own wings if not careful. Most often, wings rip off when performing two directional movements at the same time at 700-900 km/h, most commonly pulling up + rolling. Try to incrementally change directions when traveling at high speeds, one direction at a time and short bursts of turning.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (120 rpg = 240 total)

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, suspended (80 rpg = 160 total)

The Me 163 B-0 can mount 2 additional 20 mm MG 151 cannons. These cannons have no effect on the performance of the plane, and are thus always worth running.

== Usage in battles ==


'''Takeoff'''

Around 240 km/h, the plane will start violently shaking on the runway, often causing hilariously brutal deaths. To avoid this, there are two methods:

* Upon spawning in, open flaps all the way to landing flaps and continue pulling up until you takeoff. This method will work on most maps, but on some runways the plane will still experience the bug and explode.
* At 200 km/h, open landing flaps, and tilt the plane so one wingtip touches the ground.

'''Landing'''

Achieving a safe landing is rather simple. Deploy landing flaps and gears at 400-500 km/h, and continue slowing down to 300 km/h. Once at that speed, gently lower the plane onto the runway, as the plane has a tendency to bounce off the ground. Once on the ground, continue braking until you come to a full stop.

'''Throttle Speeds'''

While flying the Komet, throttle control is critical, as it will greatly conserve your fuel. It's worth noting that fuel consumption is not linear. (e.g. 100% throttle = 100% fuel usage, while 25% throttle = 6.67% fuel usage).

* 100% - This is the speed you want to use while traveling to the battle and in combat. Maximum thrust and speed are achieved here, but those values aren't much different compared to 75%.
* 75% - If in a long-drawn dogfight, consider throttling down to 75%. Every second matters, and the extra 30-60 seconds sometimes outway the lost speed.
* 33% - This is cruising throttle. High speed can still be maintained while conserving large amounts of fuel. Even some manoeuvring is possible if under attack.
* 0% - This is used to glide, which this plane excels at. You can glide very far on 0% throttle or no fuel.

'''Initial Contact'''

There are two main ways to engage enemies with the Komet:

* Boom and Zoom. Climb up to 4-5 km, then throttle back and cruise to the battle. Wait for other players to initiate dogfights, and if you spot an opening, throttle up and dive in for the kill. Most enemies will outrun you, so look for enemies who are traveling slow or who just completed a sharp turn.
* Dogfighting. Climb to 1-2 km, then level out and travel 100% throttle straight towards to enemy. You will often be one of the first people to the fight, so remember to always check your tail. Avoid head-on engagements, and attempt to lure enemies into turnfighting you.

'''Dogfighting'''

This rocket glider excels in turnfights, with a playstyle very similar to the A6M "Zero" at lower BRs. If you can somehow lure an enemy into turnfighting you, it's extremely easy to outmanoeuvre and kill them. But there are several things to take note of:

* Almost every other plane will outrun the Komet. Never plan to escape through speed, only through manoeuvres or friendlly support.
* Missiles are your worst enemy. They're very hard to dodge at low speed and high speed (due to compression). So if you see someone tailing you with missiles, prepare to dodge.
* Lowering the enemies' speed is the best way to gain the advantage. A great way to do this is by performing straight vertical climbs with evasive manoeuvring. Done correctly, you can flip over onto the enemy plane and catch them before they have a chance to get away.
* The Komet is very small, and thus very hard to hit. And long as you don't fly slow or straight, enemies will really struggle to bring you down.

'''Returning to Base'''

A good time to return to base is when on 90-120 seconds of fuel. Anything below that and you'll have to throttle down to conserve fuel on the return journey, taking more time and making the plane far more vulnerable.

'''After A Successful Landing'''

Many games will have been decided by the time you return to the runway and rearm for the first time. Always check the scoreboard before taking back off. It might be a 10-vs-1, which (hopefully) the rest of the team can handle without you. On the flipside, it might be a 1-vs-10, and taking off guarantees an early grave.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very high climb rate, decent acceleration
* Amazing dogfighter, outmanoeuvring jets in almost any situation
* Well-suited to high altitudes due to its rocket engine
* Excellent manoeuvrability
* Powerful 20 mm MG 151 cannons with access to the ''Minengeschoß'' shell
* Small target

'''Cons:'''

* Extremely limited fuel capacity
* Prone to wing overload crashes when the fuel tanks are full
* Fragile airframe
* Aircraft easily compresses above 750 km/h
* Limited ammo capacity
* Low muzzle velocity ammunition
* No airbrakes

== History ==

The '''Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet''' is a German interceptor aircraft designed for point-defence that is the only rocket-powered fighter aircraft ever to have been operational and the first piloted aircraft of any type to exceed 1,000 km/h (621 mph) in level flight. Designed by Alexander Lippisch, its performance and aspects of its design were unprecedented. German test pilot Heini Dittmar in early July 1944 reached 1,130 km/h (700 mph), an unofficial flight airspeed record unmatched by turbojet-powered aircraft for almost a decade.

Over 300 Komets were built, but the aircraft proved lacklustre in its dedicated role as an interceptor and destroyed between 9 and 18 Allied aircraft against 10 losses. Aside from combat losses, many pilots were killed during testing and training, at least in part due to the highly volatile and corrosive nature of the rocket propellant used in later models of the aircraft. This includes one pilot by the name of Oberleutnant Josef Pöhs, who was dissolved by the rocket fuel following an incident that resulted in a ruptured fuel line.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=me-163b-0 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200px">
File:Me 163B-0 WTWallpaper 001.jpg
File:Me 163B-0 WTWallpaper 002.jpg
File:Me 163B-0 WTWallpaper 003.jpg
File:Me 163B-0 WTWallpaper 004.jpg
File:Me 163B-0 WTWallpaper 005.jpg
File:Me 163B-0 WTWallpaper 006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|2NgpHefq0hc|'''Rocket Planes''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 02:13 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|INb9VjLxKf0|'''Most unusual aircraft''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:24 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|y_BcBzYVOeU|'''The Shooting Range #116''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 09:19 discusses the Me 163.}}

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5763-development-me-163b-0-model-update-en|[Devblog] Me 163B-0, Model Update]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/320874-messerschmitt-me-163-b-1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
{{Germany jet aircraft}}

Me 163 B

2023-05-23T18:54:14Z

U11255467: The description called it a jet fighter, but it's rocket-powered.

{{About
| about = German jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the version with 20 mm MG 151 cannons
| link = Me 163 B-0
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=me-163b
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

Even at BR 8.0, few jets can out run, out climb, or out turn the Komet, and even fewer can do all three at the same time. Even the highest BR jets cannot threaten this tiny terror lightly, lest it feasts on their blood! Although hard to catch, it is not hard to kill. The very short 6-minute fuel supply is its Achilles heel: if possible, just avoid the Komet until its fuel is spent for an easier kill. Still, any disciplined Komet jockey can overcome its shortcomings, rocketing high above the map, cut throttle, and easily glide at a mind-blowing 400 km/h to action. Stay above 5,000 m for its best performance, unless all targets are lower, and perform vertical manoeuvres to preserve precious energy. The craft is very sturdy and only the most extreme manoeuvres can break the wings so push it. Conversely don't chase top jets, get altitude, let them come to you (they will). High closing speeds require maxed out crews Keen Vision and G-Tolerance and majority of Awareness, and of course Expert qualification.

[[File:Cockpit_Me163.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Me 163's instrument panel.]]
There are two characteristics that make the Me 163 what it is in War Thunder. The first is its powerful rocket engine, the second is its low fuel supply. The latter means that the Komet must rush into the battlefield quickly before its fuel supply falls low and it needs to land at an airbase. Its huge thrust-to-weight ratio guarantees however that the Komet will be able to engage the enemy very early on in a match. Whenever the enemy team is climbing or gaining speed at sea level, the experienced Me 163 pilot will always find some unsuspecting prey. Remember, when engaging an enemy, turning off the rocket engine is the wisest choice, as to operate on safe speeds and to conserve fuel.

The Me 163 B-1 is a fun to play aircraft that provides a very different play style. For that reason, it always succeeds in seducing players. It may be frustrating at times, but its particularity will always make it a plane worth flying.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,500 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 943 || 933 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.2 || 21.3 || 27.7 || 25.0 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 966 || 955 || 20.8 || 21.0 || 46.4 || 37.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || X || ✓ || X || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 598 || N/A || 420 || ~10 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 790 || < 600 || < 690 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="3" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="1" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Walter HWK 109-509A-2 || 1
| colspan="1" | 1,900 kg || colspan="2" | 199 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="2" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 1m fuel || 6m fuel
|-
| 166 kg || colspan="2" | Liquid-fuel rocket
| 2,235 kg || 3,910 kg || 4,297 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="3" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 1m fuel || 6m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 1,700 kgf || N/A
| 0.76 || 0.43 || 0.40
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 1,700 kgf (any speed) || N/A
| 0.76 || 0.43 || 0.40
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* 90 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot.
* 15 mm Steel plate cone in the nose.
* 13 mm Steel plates behind the pilot.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|MK 108 (30 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons, wing-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)

The two cannons are mounted with one in each wing. Each is armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire together until empty.

== Usage in battles ==


====Tactics====

The Me 163 brings energy fighting to a whole new level thanks to its immense rate of climb and acceleration, creating its own subgenre of fighting style only shared with the [[Ki-200]] and partially with the [[Me 262 C-1a|Heimatschützer variants of the Me-262]]. Instead of just the usual speed/altitude dynamic, the German rocket fighter brings in a new element, fuel supply. Fuel management is a constant worry when flying in the 163. The most energy-efficient way of using the Komet's engine is to use it to its fullest when climbing, to then shut it off whilst engaging enemies, so, if possible, avoid using the Komet's engine in a straight line. If you are chasing an enemy and you're at a lower energy state than the bandit, it is, of course, reasonable to turn on the engine to catch the enemy, but then, if you are at a lower energy state than an enemy, you've probably done something wrong.

It is important for the Komet pilot to pick targets with care and to only commit to a target when there's a good chance of success as to not waste any advantages. Fortunately, the Me 163 B's weaponry allows for neutralizing foes in just a short burst. When engaging or evading a target, the Komet can make use of its splendid turning ability, yet every pilot should keep in mind that when its fuel tank is full, this aircraft's wings are very prone to rip at high G's due to the extra weight.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very high climb rate and acceleration
* Good speed
* Can go over Mach 1 in level flight at very high altitudes (~15,500 m)
* Excellent manoeuvrability
* One of the best turn rates of the rank
* Powerful 30 mm MK 108 cannons that are extremely deadly
* Small target

'''Cons:'''

* Extremely limited fuel capacity
* Prone to wing overload crashes when the fuel tanks are full
* Vulnerable airframe
* Aircraft easily compresses during high speed
* Unfavourable armament ballistics for fighting jets
* No take-off flaps
* No airbrakes

== History ==

The aptly named "Komet" (Comet) was not an emergency fighter but a result of years of development, all the brainchild of one of the great aircraft pioneers, Dr. Alexander Lippisch. Following the first world war, he was employed with the Zeppelin Company, a prestigious company with leading aeronautical research. There he became interested in tailless aircraft and despite the Versailles Treaty restricted times experimented and developed many tail first (canards, French for "duck") and tailless gliders. In 1928 Fritz von Opel, son of the famous automotive manufacture and infamous for rocket-powered vehicles wanted to make a rocket-powered aircraft, and the Lippisch "Ente" (duck) was perfect. Although the Ente was destroyed on its second flight and Opel moved on to make his own design, the seed for rocket-powered aircraft was planted in Lippisch.

By the late 1930's the basic design of what would eventually become the Me 163 was taking shape. The engine that was eventually chosen was made by Hellmuth Walter Kommanditgesellschaft, maker of reliable RATO units. On 2 January 1939 Lippisch joined the Messerschmitt group with its much better manufacturing ability, completing the experimental aircraft. With the successful experimental design test flights in the 1940 work progressed on the next version, the Me 163A - reusing an RLM airframe number from the cancelled Bf 163 as a disguise - and first flew on 1 September 1941. The aircraft had phenomenal performance, but the cutting edge technology was highly unreliable and dangerous. It was not a priority project and it was another 2 years before the larger combat capable Me 163 B was ready for action and a few months after that before it has its baptism of fire and history.

The Me-163 began life at the "Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Segelflug" as a modification of the Lippisch Delta IV glider, known as the DFS 39.

A larger version, called the DFS 194, powered by a propeller, was abandoned before completion, and Lippisch's team (now at Messerschmitt) focused entirely on the design of the rocket-powered version. The airframe was finally completed in 1940, and the first production model flew in 1941.

Attempts to optimize the Me-163 for mass production, as well as the fitting of the HWK 109-509, as opposed to the old Walter R-1-203 engine, resulted in the Me-163B, that began production in late 1941.

In July 1944 a tiny aircraft tore through the formation of B-17 bombers spitting fire. The turrets could not turn fast enough, barely able to follow the streak with their eyes too. Although none of the B-17s were hit, the incident shook the bomber crews to the core, an enemy fighter that came out of nowhere, too fast to track and too small to aim at. In later encounters, P-51 fighter escorts also found themselves impotent against this little plane. So advanced was this revolutionary fighter.

Intended for point intercept when everything worked just right it fulfilled its duty admirably, but those chances were rare and in the end, with about a dozen kill credits it did not achieve its ambitious goals.

Although a failure as a fighter, the Komet was the most revolutionary aircraft ever and achieved many world records, including the first to exceed 1,000 km/h and to reach its critical Mach in level flight. It inspired many experimental rocket aircraft in its wake, Ki-200, X-1, X-15, even the Space Shuttle are descendants of that little plane. Dr. Lippisch also greatly contributed to flight, working for Convair post-war developing his delta wing designs, this technology eventually resulting in the supersonic F-102, F-106, B-58, and inspiration for Concorde and shape of the Space Shuttle among dozens of others. This tiny plane and its inventor literally changed the shape of aviation.

{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The Messerschmitt Ме 163 Komet was a German rocket-powered interceptor. Its first flight took place on 1st September 1941. A very small number was produced; only 91 before the end of 1944. First combat for the Komet took place on 14th May 1944.

The Me 163 was a unique aircraft standing virtually alone in aviation history. The Komet was the only operational tailless aircraft and the only operational rocket fighter of WWII. In addition, it had other unique features, including its very narrow role, a daylight short-range interceptor used for pin-point defense of strategic targets, with a record-breaking top speed and climb rate.

First production Me 163 B-0 variants, produced in early 1943, were armed with twin 20mm Mauser MG 151/20 cannon with 100 rounds per gun. By the 47th production variant, the Komet was upgunned to twin 30mm Mk 108 cannon. The designation was then changed to Me 163 B-1. The B-1 had 60 rounds per gun. This armament met with some criticism from contemporary engineers. The Mk 108 had a low rate of fire and poor reliability. Statistically, the weapon failed once per every 100 rounds fired. In the constantly changing conditions of aerial combat, the 163 could simply run out of shells before having a chance to successfully destroy a heavy bomber.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=me-163b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|2NgpHefq0hc|'''Rocket Planes''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 02:13 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|INb9VjLxKf0|'''Most unusual aircraft''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:24 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|y_BcBzYVOeU|'''The Shooting Range #116''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 09:19 discusses the Me 163.}}

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/320874-messerschmitt-me-163-b-1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
{{Germany jet aircraft}}