Messerschmitt P.1110
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1938 in Germany |
| Headquarters | Germany |
Template:Infobox aircraft
The Messerschmitt P.1110 (Me P.1110) represented a conceptual design for a single-pilot, high-altitude interceptor aircraft, developed by the Messerschmitt company for the German Luftwaffe during the final phase of World War II, under the framework of the Emergency Fighter Program.
History
In early 1945, as part of the Emergency Fighter Program (German: Jägernotprogramm), the Oberkommando der Luftwaffe (OKL) initiated a project aimed at producing a new generation of fighter/interceptor aircraft to succeed the Heinkel He 162#Volksjäger Volksjäger. This new model was intended to deliver enhanced capabilities, particularly to counter high-altitude threats such as the Boeing B-29 Superfortress.
During February 1945, Messerschmitt submitted several high-altitude fighter concepts. One notable design was the Me P.1110 Ente (Duck), characterized by a 40° swept wing and annular air intakes positioned ahead of the wing roots—similar in concept to those later seen on the post-war North American YF-93. These ring-shaped intakes, although allowing approximately four percent less airflow, were calculated to reduce drag by about fifteen percent compared to a conventional single nose intake. The propulsion relied on a solitary Heinkel HeS 011A jet engine. Armament plans included three MK 108 cannon mounted in the nose, with the possibility of adding two additional cannons within the swept wings. A variant featuring a V-tail or butterfly tail configuration was also considered. The estimated top speed for this aircraft was around 1,015 kilometres per hour (631 mph).
Ultimately, this project was discontinued in favor of two more conventional proposals; however, none of Messerschmitt's designs reached prototype construction since the Junkers EF 128 was selected as the official winner of the competition. Other German manufacturers had submitted competing designs including the Heinkel P.1078, Focke-Wulf Ta 183, and Blohm & Voss P 212.
An advanced iteration, designated the Messerschmitt P.1111, featured wing root intakes—a concept later employed by both the Republic RF-84F Thunderflash and Republic F-105 Thunderchief—to mitigate power loss issues and incorporated a 45° wing sweep. This design was prepared in January 1945 but never proceeded to construction.
Variants
The Messerschmitt P.1110 initiative included a minimum of three distinct configurations, each designed as a single-seat fighter featuring swept wings. These wings were angled backward at 40 degrees and primarily constructed using wood materials. Every proposed model was intended to be powered by a solitary Heinkel HeS 011 turbojet engine.
Me P.1110/I
This version was a jet-powered interceptor with a traditional appearance, characterized by turbojet air intakes positioned on either side of the fuselage. Its weaponry consisted of three MK 108 cannon mounted in the nose, a feature retained in the subsequent variant.
Me P.1110/II
Featuring a V-tail, this jet interceptor maintained a conventional design. The engine's air intake was annular and situated behind the cockpit area. Similar to the Me P.1110/I, this model also had wings swept back at an angle of 40 degrees.
Me P.1110 Ente
Nicknamed "Ente" (meaning Duck), this interceptor project was notably unconventional, with its cockpit positioned at the aircraft's nose tip. It employed a canard layout, incorporating smaller forward wings and larger rear wings attached to the fuselage's aft section. The air intakes were located on the fuselage sides, as seen in the Me P.1110/I variant. Its armament comprised four MK 108 cannon.
