Go 229 publication
 

The latest issue of Luftfahrt History.


http://www.christian-schmidt-fachbuc...oducts_id=3559




Usual disclaimer,
Ed

Re: Go 229 publication
 

Gruppe,

This is a nice little publication (in German) on the Horten H IX and Ho 229. It certainly doesn't cover the complete story, but it gives some new information, focussing on the role the SS played in the development and planned (forced) production of the aircraft.
It also gives the complete eye-witness report of the H IX V2 crash.
There are some new photos (to me) of the H IX V1 (glider) after a nose gear collaps. Unfortunately the overall photoquality isn't up to standard.

It is a nice addition to "Nurflügel" (by Horten/Selinger) and "Horten 229, Spirit of Thuringia" (by Andrei Shepelev).

Nurflügel Forever!

Huib

Re: Go 229 publication
 

I am curious about your reference to the SS and "forced" production. Can you give an example of what you meant?



Ed

Re: Go 229 publication
 

Hi Ed,


In the booklet several quotes from letters between officers of the SS are given.
During 1944 the SS considered the Nurflügel (flying wing) concept as the ultimate solution for fighter aircraft. The SS was dreaming of its own elite (fighter) units called the SS-Flieger, and for that purpose wanted to bring a Nurflügel aircraft into production ASAP.
Internal SS correspondence of June 6th, 1944 states that the SS should "protect" the concept of Nurflügel aircraft.

After a meeting between the SS and the RLM (June 15th, 1944) the RLM ordered that 10 Horten 9 (H IX) were to be constructed by Möbelfabriken May in Stuttgart and 12 Horten 3 (H III) for training purposes. It was called the "H-Programm" (for Horten-program).
Already on June 22nd, 1944 it beame clear that Möbelfabriken May was not able to fulfil the order. The order was changed to the construction of the 12 Horten 3 (H III) aircraft only and this was approved by Himmler.

The order for producing the Horten IX (Ho/Go 229) was given to Gotha in August 1944.

From that point on the role of the SS is not mentioned anymore in the book, but it is my opinion that the SS continued to pull strings.

On March 17th, 1945 Kammler became "Reichssonderbevollmächtigter der Raketenwaffen und TL - Jäger", receiving all the power to direct the development of rockets and jet aircraft.

Just before that date the discussion raised by Gotha in wich it proposed its own P.60 flying wing concept above the further development of the Ho/Go 229 was ended abruptly. Before March 12th, 1945 the RLM favoured the Gotha concept, but on March 12th, 1945 it is stated that the Horten nurflügel concept was the only way to develop a successful Nurflügel aircraft and that it should receive all support to continue its development and bring the aircraft into production. For that reason it was to be included within the "Führer-Notprogramm". Furthermore it was announced that the Horten brothers were to be consulted in every flying wing and jet aircraft project!
What forced this sudden shift in opinion is not explained...

In February 1945 the Horten brothers finished their H XVIII intercontinental bomber design which was ordered in production by the SS in April 1945.

Hope this is giving you some of the information you were looking for.

Re: Go 229 publication
 

Huib,


Thank you for that detailed response. I am researching the SS involvement in secret weapons research. I have obtained a CIOS report titled "Description of the Construction and Performance of the Anti-Aircraft Rocket 'Enzian E4'"

In it SS-Obergruppenfeuhrer Dr. Ing. Hans Kammler is only referred to as Kammler, without identifying his rank, service or background.



Regards,
Ed

Re: Go 229 publication
 

Ed,

Perhaps you already know this, but some more information on Kammler and German high-tech development can be found in:
"Blunder!: How the U.S. gave away Nazi supersecrets to Russia" by Tom Agoston
ISBN: 0396085563

If you go to Amazon.com you will find several second hand book sellers offering this book.

It is also published in German under the title: "Teufel oder Technokrat?" and available through Amazon.de

Re: Go 229 publication
 

Thank you Huib, I have that one.


An extensive, highly foot-noted and detailed study of the use of V-2 rockets in the US is in a book titled: Science with a Vengeance, How the Military Created the US Space Sciences After World War II, by David H. DeVorkin. Although the US Air Force is credited with much of the work, it was actually the US Navy that was heavily involved through the Naval Research Lab. This is an aspect of naval involvement that has not been covered in other books to my knowledge.



Ed

Re: Go 229 publication
 

Ed,

Thanks for the pointer.

By the way. Thanks for keeping up the photo service. Every morning (at work!) one of the first things I do is look for your new selection of photos. Nice way to start the day:-) and always hoping for some unknown Horten picture.

Re: Go 229 publication
 

..... and any information regarding Oberst Siegfried Knemeyer (Flugbuch, documents, photos)!

Re: Go 229 publication
 

Sorry to butt in chaps... but Huib, can you take a look at your private messages?

...back to lurk mode :)