<p>The extended landing skid and take-off dolly of a Messerschmitt Me163B-1a Komet (Comet) point defence fighter of 3 Staffel I/JG400 of Reich Defence captured at Husum, Germany, May 1945. The Me163 was the world's first operational rocket fighter but its spectacular performance was compromised by extremely limited range and, due to its speed, a very short time available to fire its 2x30mm MK108 cannon so the chances of hitting a bomber were slight. Moreover, more of its pilots were killed in accidents than in action. 
</p><p>The aircraft took off from a trolley which fell away once it left the ground, a very dangerous arrangement, especially in even a slight crosswind. The highly volatile fuel could result in explosions, particularly on landing when any residual fuel vapour could ignite from sparks emanating from its skid. In addition, the acidic fuel could leak into the cockpit at any time. The pilot had to wear a special acid-resistant and fire-resistant asbestos (yes-asbestos) suit but it had only limited protective qualities. Nonetheless, an astonishing aircraft. 
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The aircraft at Cosford jast flew on 22 April 1945 when it shot down an RAF Avro Lancaster. The Me163 is in a late war RLM76/81/82/83 camouflage scheme i.e. under surfaces RLM76 Light Grey Blue, fuselage RLM76 Light Grey Blue with RLM81 Brown Violet mottling, upper surfaces of wings RLM82 Light Green and RLM83 Dark Green.
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/58433307@N08">Hugh Llewelyn</a> from Keynsham, UK
CC BY-SA 2.0
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/camperdown/50111722126/">Messerschmitt Me163B-1a Komet</a>