Messerschmitt Bf 161

Messerschmitt

Industry	Aerospace, Defense
Founded	1938 (1938)
Headquarters	Augsburg , Germany

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The Messerschmitt Bf 161 was a German reconnaissance aircraft prototype developed during the late 1930s.

Development

Conceived as a dedicated reconnaissance platform, the Bf 161 was derived from the Messerschmitt Bf 110 and bore resemblance to the Messerschmitt Bf 162, which was intended as a light bomber. The initial prototype, designated V1, was equipped with two Junkers Jumo 210 inline engines and completed its maiden flight on 9 March 1938. Subsequently, a second prototype, V2, featuring two Daimler-Benz DB 600a engines, took to the skies for the first time on 30 August 1938.

Ultimately, the aircraft did not proceed to mass production since it was determined that dedicated reconnaissance models were unnecessary; existing variants of the Bf 110 were deemed sufficient for fulfilling reconnaissance duties.

Operational history

Both prototypes served primarily in experimental and developmental roles. The V2 unit was employed in Augsburg for towing operations involving the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet (Me 163A variant), before being relocated to Peenemünde to continue similar towing tasks.

External links

• German Aviation 1919 - 1945 Archived 2012-02-19 at the Wayback Machine