Under leadership of Dipl-Ing Rudolf Seitz the Messerschmitt P.1079/18 Schwalbe (Swallow) was initiated in 1942 at Messerschmitt Abteilung Lippisch.

This tailless annular aircraft with a wing leading edge sweep of 37 degrees was to be fitted with outboard slots, ailerons, and elevators. The single pilot aircraft would be powered by two Jumo 004b turbojets superimposed with the upper and lower air intakes separated by the cockpit and nose wheel enclosures.

The odd diagonally retracted wide-track main wheels were necessary due to the six protected fuel tanks located in the wings and body. They retracted forward into the wing roots.

The aircraft also had tail brakes installed due to its multi-role function as a ground attack aircraft, Schnell (Fast) bomber, and Zerstörer (Destroyer).

Me-328 parasite fighter atop a Dornier 217 for flight testing trials

Due to the complexity of the design this early in the war the P.1079/18 was cancelled by the RLM in 1942 while the P.1079/17 eventually led to the Me-328 wooden parasite fighter powered by Argus pulse-jets.

The Schwalbe name, of course, was given to the Me-262.

Technical Data:

Crew: Pilot only

Powerplants: Two Jumo 109-004B engines (1,984 lb thrust)

Span: 9.05 meters

Length: 8.90 meters

Height: 2.75 meters

Wing area: 20.0 meters squared

Weight loaded: 8,885 lbs

Max. Speed: 590 mph

Me-262 later received the name Schwalbe (Swallow) after the P.1079/18 was cancelled in 1942