Messerschmitt Me 328

The Messerschmitt Me 328 was conceived in 1942 as a cheap and simple high-speed low-level bomber and emergency fighter. Smaller than the He 162, its construction was to be mainly of wood and power was to be provided by a pair of Argus pulsejet engines, similar to those used by the V-l flying bomb.

Two versions were proposed, the Me 328A fighter and Me 328B bomber. The single-seat Me 328B was able to carry an under slung 1000-kg (2,205-1b) bomb, which reduced the speed at low level from 700 to 530 km/h (435 to 329 mph).

Powered by two Argus pulsejets, the Messerschmitt Me 328B-1 was designed as a fighter-bomber armed with two 20-mm cannon and 1000 kg (2,205 lb) external load. The Me 328 started life as an escort fighter to be towed behind a He 177 or Me 264 bomber and as such the prototype underwent extensive gliding trials being air-launched from a Dornier 217.

Powered trials in 1944 proved disappointing. A further version, the Me 328C, was proposed, to be fitted with a Jumo 004 turbojet. This and a proposed piloted glider-bomb version did not eventuate.

Engines: 2 x 600kg Argus pulse-jets
Max take-off weight: 2200 kg / 4850 lb
Wingspan: 6.40 m / 20 ft 12 in
Length: 6.83 m / 22 ft 5 in
Height: 2.10 m / 6 ft 11 in
Max. speed: 755 km/h / 469 mph
Range: 770 km / 478 miles
Armament: 2 x 20mm cannon

Messerschmitt Me 328