SBSX04 1/72 Messerschmitt Me-163S (Product code: SBSX04)

Although two-seat training gllider Me-163 S was ordered for serial production, it is unclear how many aircraft was built. Soviet troops captured at least one aircraft - some say it was the only prototype, and for sure it is the only Me-163S we have any photos of, all taken in USSR showing aircraft in Soviet markings.

Russians were highly interested in Comet, mainly from the aerodynamic point of view and were eager to see how high-speed tailless swept-wing aircraft behaves in the air. Powered flights were considered but abandoned - some say due to lack of special fuel, some - because test pilots were reluctant to risk their lives in this Wunderwaffe. So for the tests Russians chose Me-163S glider, that mostly had the same aerodynamics as the single-seater and plenty of room for test equipment in the aft cockpit.

Russians gave the aircraft number 94 and completely new paint job, but, if underside color is undoubtly Russian Light Blue AMT-7, upper surfaces color is a mystery. Most often, by the analogy with pre-war Soviet aircraft, it is considered to be Green AMT-4, but in 1944-45 there was almost no production of this paint. Moreover, in 1945 new fighters, like La-7 or Yak-3, started to leave factories with upper surfaces painted in one dark color, but, according to documents, it was not Green, but Dark Grey AMT-12. So, for me it is more probably that some test aircraft, like BI-6 and this Me-163S, were similarly painted, as it shown on pictures here. But, if you unconvinced by this, Russian Green AMT-7 is your choice.

Me-163S, called “Karas” (crucian carp) by Russians, first was tested at TsAGI wind tunnel, than in flight at Flight Research Institute at Ramenskoye by test pilot Mark Gallaj. At this stage small FRI logo was added on the fin of the aircraft, later test equipment, including fourlegged probe mast between canopies was installed. It is unclear if Russians used Scheuch Schlepper, but most probably they did. Take-off was under the tow by the Tu-2 bomber, on reaching 6000 m Gallaj disconnected Me-163S, dived to reach maximum speed and only than test program started. German aircraft proved to be very difficult to handle, especially at landing. In one of the flights Gallaj tried aircraft with slightly shifted CG that end in disaster - aircraft crashed, pilot was taken to hospital with concussion and some spine injury. This was the end of Number 94.

The kit recommended is Academy one, as it has alternative parts for single and two-seat aircraft and even Schlepper. This kit seems now out of production, but its repack by Modelist (kit no. 207254) is still widely available, at least in Russia. Both kits include decals only for single-seater, and are not of the best quality This decal printed in Russia by Begemot company and fully compatible with Microscale Decal Set/Sol or similar products. Placement of decals is pretty straightforward, and their positioning is clearly seen on pictures (see note on the cover). A number of reference photos could be found in Yefim Gordon’s book “Soviet Rocket Fighters -Red Star Volume 30”or at Plane Encyclopedia site: https://plane-encyclopedia.com/ww2/messerschmitt-me-163s-habicht/