Messerschmitt Me 163B1-a, WNr. 191614, "Gelbe 14"
History
The Me 163B-1a, serial number 191614, was a rocket-powered interceptor developed by Germany during World War II.It was the only operational rocket-powered fighter aircraft ever used in combat.RAF Museum
This particular aircraft was assigned to Jagdgeschwader 400 (JG 400), the Luftwaffe's sole unit equipped with the Me 163. JG 400 operated from Husum Airfield in northern Germany during the final months of the war.RAF Museum.
On 22 April 1945, Me 163B-1a WNr. 191614 achieved its final combat mission, shooting down a British Avro Lancasterbomber. This was one of the last operational sorties of the Me 163 before the end of the conflict.
Following the German surrender, the aircraft was captured by Allied forces at Husum Airfield on 8 May 1945. It was subsequently transported to the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) Farnborough for evaluation. Later, it was moved to the Rocket Propulsion Establishment at Westcott, Buckinghamshire, where it was displayed in its original Luftwaffe camouflage, marked with standard German markings and without individual unit codes.
In 1975, the aircraft was transferred to the Aerospace Museum at RAF Cosford, now known as the RAF Museum Cosford, where it has been on public display. It is exhibited in Hangar 5, alongside other significant aircraft from World War II.