Major Wolfgang Späte (signed by Wolfgang Späte)

Maj. Wolfgang Späte an internationally famous gliding champion and successful World War II fighter squadron commander was uniquely qualified to command "E-Kdo. 16", the unit which tested the "Top Secret" Me163 rocket-powered fighter designed by Alexander Lippish. In May 1944, Späte flew the first combat mission in this revolutionary aircraft but was soon sent to Russia to gain "more" command experience. In June, JG400 entered combat but achieved poor results because its 30mm cannon was designed for an attack within 500 meters... a point by which the Me163 pilot had to finish an attack to avoid collision! Späte returned to command JG-400 in December and quickly developed successful interception tactics but lack of fuel shortly grounded the bird. Späte ended the war flying the Me262 jet fighter in which he added 5 victories to the 94 he had scored in the Me109 & FW190.