Messerschmitt P.1108

Messerschmitt

Industry	Aerospace, Defense
Headquarters	Germany , Germany
Products	Aircraft, including jet-powered bombers

Messerschmitt P.1108 Fernbomber represented a jet-powered bomber design intended for the Luftwaffe, developed by Messerschmitt during the final phase of Nazi Germany. The project never advanced beyond the design stage.

History

The P.1108 was conceived by Dr. Wurster, based on a concept from Dr. Alexander Lippisch. Its propulsion was to consist of four Heinkel HeS 011 jet engines embedded within the wings near the trailing edge, with air intakes positioned below the leading edge and internal ducting routing through the wing structure. The aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight was projected at 30 tons, targeting an operational range of approximately 7,000 km (4,300 mi; 3,800 nmi). It was designed to cruise at speeds between 800–850 km/h (500–530 mph; 430–460 kn) at altitudes ranging from 9,000–12,000 m (30,000–39,000 ft).

Although not a pure flying wing design, the aircraft featured a tailless configuration, equipped solely with a stabilizing fin and rudder.

The Fedden Mission received briefings about this project; however, independent verification of the details was impossible because all relevant documentation had been removed by French authorities. No prototypes were ever constructed.

Sources

• Christopher, John. The Race for Hitler's X-Planes. The Mill, Gloucestershire: History Press, 2013.