Messerschmitt P.1103
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Germany |
The Messerschmitt P.1103 Panzerjäger alongside the P.1104 represented a range of proposed rocket-propelled interceptors developed by Messerschmitt.
Design and development
Introduced in the early summer of 1944, the P.1103 and P.1104 designs were completed by August and September of that year. These aircraft were lightweight interceptors primarily constructed from wood and powered by a single rocket engine. Their wings and vertical stabilizers were derived from the design of the V-1 flying bomb. The intended launch method involved towing the interceptor into flight behind either a Messerschmitt Bf 109G or a Messerschmitt Me 262.
Competing against the Heinkel P.1077 and Bachem Ba 349, the P.1103 and P.1104 ultimately lost favor to the Ba 349, which was chosen by the Luftwaffe. Consequently, development on both Messerschmitt projects ceased in September 1944, allowing the company to concentrate resources on the Me 262 and P.1101 initiatives.
Variants
- P.1103/I (P.1103A)
- The initial concept, dated July 6, 1944, featured a low-wing layout powered by a solid-fueled Schmidding 109-513 rocket engine. The pilot was positioned prone, with armament consisting of a single 30 mm MK 108 cannon mounted beneath the cockpit. Additional external weaponry options included either one Werfer-Granate 21 for engaging aerial targets or one Werfer-Granate 28/32 for ground assault. Recovery upon mission completion was planned via parachute descent.
- P.1103/II (P.1103B)
- This finalized design, dated September 12, 1944, adopted a high-wing configuration powered by a liquid-fueled Walter RI 202 rocket engine. The pilot occupied an upright seat arrangement, with a single 30 mm MK 108 cannon installed beneath the cockpit. Landing was intended to be executed using a retractable skid.
- P.1104/I (P.1104A)
- Also finalized on September 12, 1944, this variant featured a mid-wing design utilizing a liquid-fueled Walter HWK 109-509A-1 rocket engine. The cockpit accommodated an upright pilot position with one 30 mm MK 108 cannon mounted below. A retractable landing skid was planned for touchdown.
- P.1104/II (P.1104B)
- This version, finalized on September 12, 1944, presented a high-wing layout powered by the same liquid-fueled Walter HWK 109-509A-1 rocket engine as the P.1104/I. The pilot sat upright with a single 30 mm MK 108 cannon beneath the cockpit, and landing utilized a retractable skid system.