Once again, Mushroom Models Publications comes through with another superbly researched and illustrated book on a popular subject. This time, it is the always interesting Me-163 Komet an aircraft in which a lot of time and effort was put, only to have rather dismal results.

Developed as a research aircraft by Alexander Lippisch while working at Messerschmitt, the Me-163 was never intended to be developed into a combat aircraft. The early 163's main claim to fame was that it was the first aircraft to go faster than 1000 kph in level flight, making it the fastest aircraft in the world in 1941 when this record was achieved. Thanks in part to achieving this milestone, the RLM decided that it would make an excellent interceptor. As such, Lippisch redesigned the aircraft to accept all the needed military equipment and the Me-163B was born.

Various machinations within the RLM caused by people coming and going had the project priority changed and so development slowed down. The engine became a major stumbling block as Walther was unable to build one to meet design specifications. There were also many issues with the aircraft itself, however, over time, these were identified and corrected. In 1943, Lippisch and Messerschmitt were not on the best of terms and Lippisch left the company. Construction of the aircraft was turned over to Klemm, though Messerschmitt did provide assemblies.

Finally the aircraft was turned over to the Luftwaffe and units started forming to operate the type. In this book, the authors cover the development of tailless aircraft in general and the Me-163 in particular. The level of research and detail is excellent, giving the reader a superb look at how this plane got into production and service. Then the book covers the operational service of the aircraft including every mission in which the 163 participated. The results of the 163's combat record is not encouraging as nearly as many were shot down as shot down bombers, and even more 163s were lost in accidents. Post war, the 163 was grabbed in rather good numbers by the four major Allied nations and the story of what happened to these aircraft is also included in the book.

Typical of Mushroom Models Publications, there is a full color section of detail images taken from some of the many extant 163s in museums throughout the world. Add to this the many pages of full color profiles of various aircraft shown in the period photos that are within the book as well as an insert of complete 1/72 and 1/48 plans, and you have yet another superlative book. It is one that I can quite easily recommend to you as the best of its type; a book that will be appreciated by both enthusiasts and modelers alike.

May 2010

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