Wings of Fire: The Messerschmitt Me 163

rocket.aero, ©2006
DVD, Encoded for all regions
Available from rocket.aero for $19.95

Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

The folks at rocket.aero have moved beyond their stable of American subjects with this latest DVD release on the Me 163. For those who are familiar with the rocket.aero family of DVDs, this one will present no new surprises in formatting. Basically, what you get is a very thorough selection of period film showing the Me 163 from many angles. This includes flight testing and development footage, footage of the Walther engine testing, gun camera footage, and an original US Army Air Corps briefing film. These alone will provide the viewer with lots of fascinating tidbits of information on this famous rocket fighter.

For those who are interested in rocket aircraft in general, this DVD provides even more. There is coverage on Reinhold Tilling's research surrounding rocket-assisted gliders, and a beautiful compilation of early German rocket-powered vehicles, including such notable researchers as Sander, von Opel, and Valier. This footage alone, in my opinion, is worth the price of this DVD, as it is material that is rarely seen. Rounding out the DVD is a nice still photo gallery and a useful modeler's notes section.

For those who have not picked up a rocket.aero DVD, perhaps now is the time to do so. This is an excellent addition to the growing line of DVDs from this innovative company, and I can only hope that they will continue expanding the range. My thanks to rocket.aero for the review sample.