Messerschmitt Bf 161
The Messerschmitt Bf 161 was a 1930s prototype German reconnaissance aircraft.
| Bf 161 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Reconnaissance monoplane |
| National origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | Messerschmitt |
| First flight | 1938 |
| Primary user | Luftwaffe |
| Number built | 2 |
| Developed from | Messerschmitt Bf 110 |
Development
The Bf 161 was a specialised reconnaissance aircraft, based on the Bf 110, and similar to the Bf 162, designed as a light bomber. The prototype V1 was powered by two Junkers Jumo 210 inline engines and first flew on 9 March 1938. It was followed by a second prototype, V2, powered by two Daimler-Benz DB 600a engines which first flew on 30 August 1938.
The aircraft did not enter production, as it was soon decided that a new aircraft type was not needed, and variants of the Bf 110 could perform the reconnaissance role.
Operational history
The two prototypes were used for research and development, and V2 was used in Augsburg for towing the Me 163A Komet, later moving to Peenemünde to continue towing.
Specifications (Bf 161 V1)
General characteristics
- Crew: three
- Length: 12.85 m (42 ft 2 in)
- Wingspan: 16.69 m (54 ft 9 in)
- Height: 3.64 m (11 ft 11 in)
- Wing area: 38.5 m2 (414 ft2)
- Empty weight: 4,890 kg (10,781 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Junkers Jumo 210G, 730 kW (979 hp) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 440 km/h (274 mph)
- Service ceiling: 8,100 m (26,568 ft)
Armament
References
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing.