[Coming soon] Me 163B: The Rocket-Powered "Komet"!

The Big and Medium Trophies contain a German high-speed rocket-powered fighter-interceptor.

Historical note

The Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet rocket-powered interceptor was a unique phenomenon in the history of Second World War aircraft. It was the only tailless aircraft with a liquid-fuel rocket engine accepted into service and used in combat. Its development began in the late 1930s under the direction of Professor Alexander Lippisch. The aircraft was designed as a specialized interceptor to counter Allied high-altitude bombers and was distinguished by record-breaking speed and climb rate for its time.

Combat deployment of the Me 163 began only in the summer of 1944, after a long period of development, testing, and accidents. Despite phenomenal speed and rate of climb, the interceptor's effectiveness was low. The short engine burn time and tremendous closing speed with targets left pilots no time for aiming or a second attack. The Me 163 project remains in history as a bold attempt to create revolutionary weaponry, yet one that ultimately proved less practical than turbojet-powered aircraft.

Me 163B (Rank IX)

SWOT Analysis

Strengths: A rocket engine providing excellent speed, compact size, powerful cannons.
Weaknesses: Rapid energy loss in turns, challenging ballistics of the 30mm cannons.
Opportunities: It excels in "boom-and-zoom" tactics, allowing it to dominate enemies from altitude by leveraging its powerful armament.
Threats: Maneuverable fighters in turning battles, as well as pilot errors that deprive the aircraft of its main advantages – speed and altitude.

In battle

The Me 163B Komet is the first rocket-powered fighter in the game, built according to the exotic "flying wing" design. Its liquid-fuel rocket engine grants this tiny aircraft incredible acceleration, as the "Komet" boasts superior climb rate and high speed, on par with the best jet fighters in the game. The tailless design also has its quirks: on one hand, it helps the Me 163 gain altitude faster and perform sharp, energetic turns; on the other, it limits its capabilities in horizontal maneuvering, where the plane quickly bleeds off its accumulated speed.

Despite its genuinely modest dimensions, the little "Komet" is excellently armed. It has two 30mm MK 108 autocannons that are mounted in the wing roots on either side of the cramped cockpit. Their belts feature powerful High-Explosive Incendiary Tracer (Minengeschoß) rounds, highly effective against any aerial target. It's worth noting, however, that due to the Me 163's own high speed and the low muzzle velocity of these cannons, firing at long range is very difficult. It's best to engage with short bursts at point-blank range.

In the game, the Me 163 will be an excellent representative of early jet fighters, with very high dynamic performance and good high-altitude attack capabilities. Its compact size and lethally dangerous cannons will be great assets in any battle. The "Komet" feels most at home at high altitudes, where a pilot can dive on targets below without getting drawn into turning engagements where the Me 163B quickly loses speed.

Overall, the Me 163B can unequivocally be called one of the best fighters in the game, with its own unique characteristics and no glaring flaws. Be sure to test this fierce little machine for yourself in the next update!

Premium ♠Me 163B♠︎ (Rank IX)

The Premium variant is an extra plane for your roster! The premium warplane maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With this premium warplane you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

Premium version of the vehicle:

As a jackpot or as a random reward when attempting to open the Big Trophy.
By reaching the top-10 in the relevant Leaderboard.
From the Collector's Trophy after adding the vehicle to this trophy type;
In Special Offers.

Standard version of the vehicle:

As a jackpot or as a random reward when attempting to open the Medium Trophy.
Order vehicles for Silver Lions after collecting 1,000 blueprints.

Ways to get blueprints:

From the Medium Trophy: 700 pcs in the guaranteed reward, or 10 to 100 pcs per attempt.
From the Big Trophy: 700 pcs in the guaranteed reward, or 80 to 200 pcs per attempt.
In the in-game store: purchase for Silver Lions a Folder with a number of blueprints (even after the season ends).
In special offers.