Messerschmitt Me 282 Nachteule

[Siegfried]

The Me 282 Nachteule was designed as a rapid response night fighter that could be deployed from almost any location to provide a defence against bomber raids. The prototype was a success after much development, however due to the advanced alloys no more that a few were built.

These revolutionary rotating engine nacelles were the key feature of the Nachteule. They allowed the aircraft to take off and land vertically; and thus be deployable to relatively small areas. Driving each constant speed prop were two V6 engines linked via a centrifugal clutch so if one engine failed the aircraft could still land safely. Like many wartime aircraft, it was designed for multiple power plants, and in this case it was designed for use with a jet engine. However, the prototype of this version was stolen prior to testing, crashed upon landing, and it was deemed un-economical to be rebuilt. Due to reliability issues with jets at the time it probably was for the best.

This is the only surviving photo of the jet prototype. It was taken during the incident.

Up front are the other key features, a powerful radar and cannon. The radar was the capable Lichtenstein SN2 set and the weapons were two Oerlikon 20 mm cannons. Together these made the Nachteule quite effective against bombers, and with a good pilot, deadly even to fighters! The ability to instantly jump up and behind a target proved highly effective in trials. This manoeuvre however did eventually result in the destruction of the rotor of the aircraft used for anti-fighter trials, which later crashed while landing.

The cockpit had room for the pilot, and a radar operator/observer. There were no plans for a rear gunner due to the rear prop/rotor.

The wing was a simple but strong design. It was mounted in the center of gravity as during take off the tail and other control surfaces couldn't be used to balance the aircraft.

To the rear was a balancing prop. Trials found that gusts of wind could cause lift variations so this was added to make the aircraft more stable during take off and landing. It was electrically driven and could be angled back. During forward flight it was generally left to feather, but it could be used if one of the main props failed.

Entrance was made via this rear hatch.

The Nachteule in flight.

Boring notes by the creator:

This was my Indy competition entry that I never got around to finishing. The first engines I put together in 10 minutes as I ran out of time. The new engines use a castle piece with Technic piece going though the window.

[Quarryman]

Interesting design. Exactly how much does it have in common with the real world Libelle? (I wasn't able to find much information about it, but it does look a lot like something Dr. Jones would fly off with ) Are those "1x4 antennas" on the front part of the radar, or something else?

(And you should perhaps link to the specific caste piece used, instead of a set in which it appears )

[Siegfried]

Exactly how much does it have in common with the real world Libelle? (I wasn't able to find much information about it, but it does look a lot like something Dr. Jones would fly off with )

Nothing! The design is pure fantasy... but it is somewhat based on other Messerschmitt designs such as the Komet.

Is there a real one? I looked around and found nothing aside from some gliders. To my knowledge the only German VTOL of that period was the Focke-Achgelis Fa 269.

Are those "1x4 antennas" on the front part of the radar, or something else?

They are part of the radar array. For example;

(And you should perhaps link to the specific caste piece used, instead of a set in which it appears )

Indeed I should; how did I do that... Thanks!

[Dark Sword Ragnarok]

Very nice, Sinner!

I love the new engine design, much better than the original.

DSR

[Svelte]

Thanks for posting these, Sinner.

I have to admit I know nothing about military aircraft but you had me convinced this thing existed... up until the prototype was stolen and I remembered the story of your Indy entry The physics-types explanations you give for various choices about the design are great too, and very plausible. It's interesting to get the back-story of a MOC in a subject something you clearly know a lot about and have thought through carefully. I like the design, the wing span is impressive and I like both versions of the engines. Do engines rotate 90 degrees on similar real aircraft? I never knew that and it's totally clever. The tail also looks great. The only thing that jars is those big dark bley rotors in the final few pics - they just look a little large but I'm no expert. I'd also love to see a version of this in navy blue if the pieces ever became available

Thanks again for posting these and I love the sepia tone hero shot as well!

[Siegfried]

Thanks for posting these, Sinner.

I have to admit I know nothing about military aircraft but you had me convinced this thing existed... up until the prototype was stolen and I remembered the story of your Indy entry

Almost believable explanations are my specialty.

It's interesting to get the back-story of a MOC in a subject something you clearly know a lot about and have thought through carefully.

I've been a huge fan of aircraft since I was a kid. It was what I used to make in my TFOL days. I just wish I had photos...

Do engines rotate 90 degrees on similar real aircraft?

Yes. The US V-22 Osprey...

...does this, and there have been jet powered ones too, but none successful. My favourite is the German EWR VJ 101.

I'd also love to see a version of this in navy blue if the pieces ever became available

So would I, but my navy blue collection is decidely lame. Thanks for your comments.

[Lt. Col. Thok]

Very nicely built, Sinner! You've managed to bring a fictional plane into the universe and make people think it was real. Well done.

[Quarryman]

Is there a real one? I looked around and found nothing aside from some gliders. To my knowledge the only German VTOL of that period was the Focke-Achgelis Fa 269.

Well, there seems to have been a Messerschmitt design called Libelle, but that wasn't a VTOL. I suppose that's where you got the name from?

[Siegfried]

Well, there seems to have been a Messerschmitt design called Libelle, but that wasn't a VTOL. I suppose that's where you got the name from?

No. I picked the name as it was German for Dragonfly. I'll have to look into this other "Libelle"...

EDIT: Well it turns out I was wrong about the name; the Libelle was another Messerschmitt prototype.

I believe the real name of this aircraft was the Nachteule.

Reality mode:

This page has the number 1 link for "Messerschmitt Libelle" on Google so I have changed the name to avoid confusion. The new name means "Night Owl" and I believe it's untaken by any Messerschmitt aircraft. Just to clarify, this aircraft is pure fantasy.

[Captain Green Hair]

That's a very cool plane you made Sinner, even i thought it was real, since there were so many wacky German plane prototypes

I think it would look even cooler with a little longer tail, but it's minor.

[Joey Lock]

Ahhh, I flew something like this on a Battlefield 1942 mod: Forgotten Hope on \'The Storm\', Russia vs Germany.

It was the Heinkel He 219 "Uhu"

EDIT: Not very fast though, Got shot down first time by a Yak

Edited July 28, 2008 by Joey Lock

[Stauder]

Ahhh, I flew something like this on a Battlefield 1942 mod: Forgotten Hope on \'The Storm\', Russia vs Germany.

It was the Heinkel He 219 "Uhu"

*snip*

EDIT: Not very fast though, Got shot down first time by a Yak

Gawd I love that mod...

Now on topic, Great Work Sinner! I am really into planes, and this is quite belivable with the germans doing all their experiments I woulnt be surprised if they had actually planned something like this. The radar is a nice touch. How is the cannon attached tough?

Stauder.

Edited July 30, 2008 by Stauder

[JimBee]

Very cool plane, Sinner . I really like how you photographed these pics. It's a shame you didn't enter the Indy contest with this one.

[zero1312]

Nice, it looks surprisingly realistic.

[Doctor Sinister]

Beautiful creation Mr Sinner, absolutely wonderful. I love the front RADAR array. I've seen that ME110 in the "flesh" so to speak at Hendon and this is very reminiscent of it.

Dr. S.

[Zorro]

Very well done indeed !

I consider myself to know quite a bit about German World-War II era aircraft and hadnt heard before of the Messerschmitt 282 Nachteule, so I almost went to wikipedia...to actually try to correct you. Till I read the next replies that was...

Almost believable explanations are my specialty.

You poor guy, you MUST be married

Edited September 29, 2008 by zorro3999

[Hinckley]

This is awesome Sinner! One of your best works, IMO. You're always adding more smarty points by building everything with such great technical detail. I love the stories you write along with your MOCs, you should maybe write a comic! It could be the techy combat counter part to the Whacker and the Walrus. I usually find black a hard color to work in because it's so hard for the little details to be seen, but you've done an excellent job with it here. The color choice helps to make the craft look very sleek and streamline. Truly a beautiful creation. Now let's see it with a Hinck pilot!