History of WW 2 always interests me I just learned about this odd airplane
“Greatest danger by far came from the Komet’s engine. Hellmuth Walter’s HWK 509 “Hot Engine,” which powered the production Me-163B, ran on a combination of two propellants: “T-Stoff”, highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide; and “C-Stoff”, a 30% mixture of Hydrazine Hydrate and Methanol. These propellants were hypergolic, meaning that when mixed they immediately and violently exploded”
It was the hydrogen peroxide (oxidant) that was the dangerous stuff. I remember seeing open cuts foam when my parents put in on me. And that was highly diluted stuff - 5%?
The fuel was methanol alcohol, with the other nasty sounding ingredients added in as a catalyst for the instant combustion.
The most ironic part was that the Germans were aware of the caustic effects of H2O2, so they provided the pilots with a synthetic flight suit - that wasn’t liquid-tight. With all its other idiosycracies, the Komet was more of a dangerous stunt than a useful bomber interceptor.
Thanks for posting.
The speeds that are listed are incorrect. The units are “kph”, not “mph”. That’s a factor of about 0.6.
Mach 1 would not be achieved in manned flight until October 14, 1947.
Bill