[edwest]

It was a sound concept. The program was under the control of the SS. The first vertical take-off failed for unknown reasons, killing the pilot (M23). The M25 completed a succesful manned flight, and the M34 completed a successful manned take-off (both during March-April 1945). In one minute, the aircraft could climb to 10,000 meters automatically, at this point the pilot took control. Between the next minute plus about ten seconds, the pilot fires his weapons. Less than a minute later, the pilot disconnects his oxygen supply, controls and all mechanical and electrical linkages at 4,000 meters. "He then activates the braking parachute. Explosive charges blow off the nose section with the windscreen, the forward armor plate, and the rudder pedals." He then lands by parachute and the rear section is recovered for reuse.

Source: Vertical Takeoff Fighter Aircraft of the Third Reich by J. Miranda & P. Mercado. Published by Schiffer.



Ed