Messerschmitt Me 395
| Messerschmitt Me 395 | |
|---|---|
| </div> | |
| Messerschmitt Me 395A-1 | |
| Role | Fighter aircraft |
| National origin | German Empire |
| Manufacturer | Messerschmitt |
| First flight | 15 July 1948 |
| Introduction | 1949 with the Imperial German Air Force |
| Retired | 1980s |
| Number built | ~3,250 |
| Developed into | Messerschmitt Me 395C |
The Messerschmitt Me 395 is a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced initially by Messerschmitt and later by Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, the 395 is best known as the German Empire's first widely produced swept-wing fighter and their primary combat aircraft in the skies of Korea during the Korean Crisis of 1950–1953, fighting some of the earliest jet-to-jet battles in history. Considered one of the best and most important fighter aircraft of the period, the Me 395 remained relevant far longer than its contemporaries. Although it was developed in the mid 1940s and was removed from German frontline service by the end of the 1950s, the forward-thinking approach of the Me 395's designers meant the type remained in service with other nations well into the last decades of the 20th Century.
Contents
Design and Development
Operational History
Korean Crisis
Cold War
Variants
Foreign Variants
Operators
Civil Aviation
Specifications (Me 395A-1)
General Characteristics:
Crew: 1 (Pilot)
Length: 11.54 meters
Wingspan: 12.08 meters
Height: 6.79 meters
Empty Weight: 5,253 kg
Gross Weight: 6,928 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 8,150 kg
Fuel Capacity: 2,045 litres (JP-4) internally
Powerplant: 1x Junkers Jumo 110 (license-produced variant of J47-GE-33) turbojet engine, 25 kN thrust
Performance:
Maximum Speed: 560 kn at sea level
Stall Speed: 110 kn
Range: 1,175 nmi
Combat Range: 345 nmi with 2x 450 kg bombs and 2x 750 litre drop tanks
Service Ceiling: 47,750 ft at combat weight
Armament:
Guns: 4x MG 151/20 20mm Cannon
Rockets: Various
Bombs: up to 2,270 kg on four external underwing hardpoints
