ROCKET FIGHTER

Air Classics, Mar 2004 by Hulett, George

NEW ITEMS FOR THE AVIATION ENTHUSIAST

Second volume on Nazi fighter

Following years of detailed research, Me 163 Rocket Interceptor Volume 2 (SpecialtyPress 800-895-4585, $56.95) has been published. Authors Stephen Ransom and Hans-Hermann Cammann have unearthed much new documentary material together with previously unpublished photographs and have received coopera- tion from many former pilots who flew this radical and daunting aircraft in combat as well as from Allied pilots who encountered the fighter.

Continuing the operational story of the rocket fighter, the book includes a detailed diary of point-defense combat operations conducted against the Allied air forces over northern Europe during 1944-45 by Jagdgeschwader 400 using the Me 163.

Many Allied pilots reported seeing or encountering this "bat-like" aircraft, but the authors set out to dispel many myths and prove that it was impossible for the Me 163 to have been operating where Allied intelligence said they were.

There is also a study of late-war training by the Erganzungsstaffel/JG 400 and IV.EJG 2 and, for the first time, the story of the little-known Italian involvement with the German rocket fighter.

The reader is also offered a detailed overview of Me 163-based design projects and planned swept-wing and ultra-high-speed developments as well as the story of Allied, Japanese (the MXY8 Akikusa and J8M1 Shusui), French, and Soviet testing, including rare photographs of the French-flown Me 163.

The text is accompanied by color artwork from talented artist Tom Tullis and detailed technical drawings by Arthur Bentley and Eddie Creek. Highly recommended.