Messerschmitt Me 163B1-a, WNr. 191660, "Gelbe 3"
History
The Me 163B-1a, serial number 191660, 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.
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.
On 22 April 1945, Me 163B-1a WNr. 191660 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 1976, the aircraft was transferred to the Imperial War Museum Duxford, where it was displayed as part of the museum's collection of historical aircraft. The aircraft underwent a lengthy restoration beginning in 1997, which was frequently halted as the restorers were diverted to more pressing projects. In May 2005, the aircraft was sold to the Flying Heritage Collection in the United States.