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Williamgkv
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Can someone tell me how a German plane Messerschmitt Me 163 lands? Because I found out that this plane lands without landing gears.
How a Messerschmitt Me 163 plane lands?
- Thread starter Williamgkv
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In summary: The aircraft lands on a retractable skid that deploys from the bottom of the plane.This plane had only about 10 minutes endurance, the expectation was that the landing would be dead stick.As the residual fuel sometimes exploded from the landing impact, powered landings were no less risky.A follow on, the Me 263 was expected to have regular landing gear, but never made it into hardware.
- #2
Borek
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Skids are enough, aren't they.
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SteamKing
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Planes will land with or without landing gear, although the former is preferable.
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Q_Goest
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They don't need landing gear because they explode on touch down.
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jim hardy
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and often on takeoff.Q_Goest said:
there are documentaries... they just belly land on a retractable skid.
http://www.plane-crazy.net/links/me163.htm
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Williamgkv
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hmm then why the modern jets aren't designed in that way? It would probably save some money and fuel^^
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etudiant
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The Me 163 was a stopgap design, based on glider prototypes, with the rocket engine added in
The plane had only about 10 minutes endurance, the expectation was that the landing would be dead stick.
As the residual fuel sometimes exploded from the landing impact, powered landings were no less risky.
A follow on, the Me 263 was expected to have regular landing gear, but never made it into hardware.
Modern jets weigh 10-20 times as much as the Me 163, which at less than 10,000 pounds fully loaded was truly svelte. Their wings are not 10-20 times bigger, so they have much higher sink rates and landing speeds.
Landing on skids, even if hydraulically damped, would break their airframes. The USAF did experiment with landing on air cushions deployed from the aircraft, but the effort did not go forward.
The plane had only about 10 minutes endurance, the expectation was that the landing would be dead stick.
As the residual fuel sometimes exploded from the landing impact, powered landings were no less risky.
A follow on, the Me 263 was expected to have regular landing gear, but never made it into hardware.
Modern jets weigh 10-20 times as much as the Me 163, which at less than 10,000 pounds fully loaded was truly svelte. Their wings are not 10-20 times bigger, so they have much higher sink rates and landing speeds.
Landing on skids, even if hydraulically damped, would break their airframes. The USAF did experiment with landing on air cushions deployed from the aircraft, but the effort did not go forward.
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AlephZero
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Landing planes on skids was not a new idea for the Me 163, but it works best if you land on water. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seaplane
Some old aircraft like the de Haviland Tiger Moth had a tail skid rather than a third wheel, but some have been modified with a tail wheel for use on paved runways rather than grass.
The "only" problem with the skid is that if you want to turn the plane around in a restricted space, you have to get out of the cockpit and lift the tail off the ground.
Some old aircraft like the de Haviland Tiger Moth had a tail skid rather than a third wheel, but some have been modified with a tail wheel for use on paved runways rather than grass.
The "only" problem with the skid is that if you want to turn the plane around in a restricted space, you have to get out of the cockpit and lift the tail off the ground.
1. What is the landing process for a Messerschmitt Me 163 plane?
The landing process for a Messerschmitt Me 163 plane involves several steps. First, the pilot must slow down and reduce altitude to prepare for landing. Then, the landing gear is lowered and the flaps are extended to increase lift and drag. The pilot must carefully control the descent rate and use the elevators and rudder to maintain stability. Finally, the plane touches down on the runway and the pilot uses the brakes to slow down and bring the plane to a stop.
2. How does the landing gear work on a Messerschmitt Me 163 plane?
The landing gear on a Messerschmitt Me 163 plane is retractable and is operated by a hydraulic system. The gear is lowered and raised using a lever in the cockpit. The gear also has a small wheel on the tail to prevent the plane from tipping over during landing.
3. What challenges does a pilot face when landing a Messerschmitt Me 163 plane?
Landing a Messerschmitt Me 163 plane can be challenging for a pilot due to its unique design. The plane has a short wingspan and a narrow landing gear, making it less stable during landing. Additionally, the plane has a high landing speed and a short stopping distance, requiring precise control and quick reactions from the pilot.
4. How does the flaps system help with landing a Messerschmitt Me 163 plane?
The flaps on a Messerschmitt Me 163 plane are used to increase lift and drag during landing. By extending the flaps, the pilot can decrease the landing speed and increase the angle of descent, making it easier to land the plane safely. The flaps also help to slow down the plane during the landing process.
5. What are some safety precautions when landing a Messerschmitt Me 163 plane?
When landing a Messerschmitt Me 163 plane, it is important for the pilot to maintain proper speed and angle of descent to ensure a safe landing. The pilot must also be aware of potential crosswinds, which can make the landing more difficult. It is also crucial for the pilot to monitor the plane's systems and be prepared to take emergency measures if necessary.
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