Messerschmitt AG was a famous German aircraft manufacturer. It was named for its chairman and chief designer, Wilhelm “Willy” Messerschmitt. During World War II (1939-1945), Messerschmitt AG produced many of Germany’s most important warplanes.
In 1927, Willy Messerschmitt joined the Bavarian Aircraft Works, or Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (Bf). He took over the company in 1938, and it was renamed Messerschmitt AG. AG is short for Aktiengesellschaft, a German corporate term similar to the English term public limited company (plc).
Messerschmitt’s biggest success was a single-engine fighter plane called the Bf 109 (sometimes called the Me 109). It first saw action in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). By 1939, the 109 had become the main fighter in the German Air Force, or Luftwaffe. More 109’s were built—around 35,000—than any other fighter in history. A twin-engine Messerschmitt fighter, the Bf 110, also saw service during the war.
Messerschmitt’s Me 163 Komet (Comet) was the world’s first rocket-powered fighter. First flown in 1941, the 163 reached speeds of about 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) per hour. The Me 262 Schwalbe (Swallow) was the world’s first jet-powered fighter. First flown in 1942, the 262 hit speeds of about 550 miles (900 kilometers) per hour. The new warplanes entered combat in 1944 in limited numbers—only about 300 total. Both planes suffered from technical problems and a lack of fuel.
Messerschmitt AG was banned from producing aircraft after Germany’s defeat in World War II. The company built sewing machines, three-wheeled automobiles, and prefabricated houses before returning to aviation in 1956. In 1989, the company became part of Daimler-Benz Aerospace, now part of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS).
See also Aircraft, Military ; Airplane (During World War II (1939-1945)) ; Fighter plane ; World War II (The air war) .
