Trisha Shetty (Editor)

Messerschmitt Bf 161

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Top speed
  
440 km/h

Length
  
13 m

Wingspan
  
17 m

Manufacturer
  
Messerschmitt

Messerschmitt Bf 161 wwwairwarruimageidopspyww2bf161bf1611gif

The Messerschmitt Bf 161 was a 1930s prototype German reconnaissance aircraft.

Contents

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 powered by two Daimler-Benz DB 600a engines and 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 at Augsburg for towing the Me 163A Komet later moving to Peenemünde to carry on the towing task.

Specifications (Bf 161 V1)

General characteristics

  • Crew: 3
  • 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)

    • References

    Messerschmitt Bf 161 Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA