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Lippisch P 01-118
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Usage
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Single seat rocket fighter
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Status
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Design
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Span
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8.90 m
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Length
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7.16 m
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Armament
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By August 3, 1941, the long line of tailless fighter designs by Alexander Lippisch under the Projekt X program was seen in the form of the P 01-118 to be nearing the shape of the Me 163 rocket interceptor
which would ultimately enter operational service. Apart from the 118's extensions to the leading-edge wing roots, the planforms of the two aircraft are very
similar, and it is only when they are viewed from the side that differences are clearly seen.
The P.01-118's fin was more rounded than that of the Me 163, and its cockpit canopy was simply a glazed area in the upper forward fuselage. Like its predecessors
, the rocket-powered 118 was fitted with a central skid. The 118 had the unusual feature of a swiveling seat for the pilot, which would enable the pilot to maintain a
horizontal field of vision in a climb. Two rockets were envisioned, one for climb, the other for a more economical cruise.
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