Oxford Diecast Aviation Series Model

Messerschmitt Me 163B-0 Komet - Major Wolfgang Spate, Erprobungskommando 16, Luftwaffe, Bad Zwischenahn, Germany, May 1944

1:72 Scale.  Length: 3.25”.  Wingspan: 5”

The Messerschmitt Me 163 "Komet" was a World War II German rocket-powered fighter aircraft and the only rocket-powered fighter ever to see operational service. First flown on September 1 1941 the Me 163 achieved performance unrivaled at the time. On October 2, 1941, Me 163A V4 "KE+SW" piloted by Heini Dittmar set a new world speed record of 1,004.5km/h (624 mph). On July 6, 1944, Me 163B V18 "VA+SP", again piloted by Heini Dittmar, set a new unofficial world speed record of 1,130 km/h (702 mph). Although it was extremely fast, the Me 163 had a short powered flight time of less than eight minutes and a range of approximately 25 miles. After the fuel was expended, the pilot would glide the unpowered aircraft back to the runway.

The Me 163 was very difficult to use against enemy aircraft. Its fast speed and climb rate meant that a target was reached and passed within a matter of seconds. Although it was a stable gun platform, it required excellent marksmanship to shoot down an enemy bomber. The Me 163 B-0 was armed with two 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons.

Over 300 Komets were produced, but it proved ineffective as a fighter, having been responsible for the destruction of only about nine Allied aircraft (16 aerial victories for 10 losses, according to other sources). After the war ended, several Me 163s were captured by the Allied forces. Of those, at least ten are known to have survived and are on display in museums.


Oxford presents a range of value priced, high quality, die-cast model airplanes. Every model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft.

This model of a Me 163 Komet features: