Messerschmitt ME-246

Modified Pica Duellist
Home | Flight Test Center
Click on thumbnail photos to open larger photos in a new window.

In the aftermath of the Me-210's disappointing flight performance in the field, another attempt was made to design a replacement for the Me-110 "Zerstorer" ( rendered obsolete as a fighter-destroyer during the Battle of Britain ). The result was the Me-246 "Duellist", of which only 1 prototype was ever built. The new design differed from the original Me-110 in that it was a single seater and lacked the rear gunner position. The idea was to gain a further speed and maneuverability advantage over the Me-110 and Me-210 by eliminating the extra weight of the gunner position, rear armament, and extra long canopy and cockpit structures. The Me-246 featured a more streamlined fuselage and canopy than it's 2 predecessors. These changes gave the Me-246 performance that was on par with the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. Sadly, due to a political scandal that erupted within the higher ranks of Luftwaffe, the project was canceled. Work on the Me-410 "Hornisse" was undertaken during this time, and as such there is no mention of the Me-246 in the history books, to back up this tall tale:)

  • Wingspan: 78"
  • Weight: 10.75 lbs. (dry)
  • Wingloading: 29 oz/sq. ft.
  • Engines: O.S. 46sfp
  • Props: 3 blade 10x7.5 Zinger
  • Fuel capacity: 20 oz.
  • Flight time: ~10-15 minutes