Powered take-off device?

[bill norman]

The attached picture shows an appendage to the port wing of a Ju88A-5 c. 1942. It doesn't look like a bomb or mine - any explanations on offer?
Bill Norman
(www.billnorman.co.uk)

[Chris Goss]

Looks like a Walter 109-500 Kraft-Ei RATO pod? I have photos of I/KG 77 using them. Quite common on the Ar 234

[edNorth]

This is "standard" Starthilfe (rocket pod with parachute), i.e. Walter 109-500 rocket engine or commonly known as JATO pod in the post war years. Fittable to all Ju 88 A´s, eliminating the need for Ju 88 A-2 (that subsequently was cancelled variant). Must common useage by Ju 88´s was by the heavily laden Torpedo Bombers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_HWK_109-500
-Ed

[bill norman]

Thanks, Chris and Ed. What a team! RATO = Rocket Assisted Take Off?

[edNorth]

Yes, RATO is (more?) Brit term, JATO is American. Both produce "jets", using principle of action and (opposite) reaction. Both solid or liquid fuels were (are) used. The Walter unit used liquids, was droppable after takeoff and was reuseable.

Team? I manage. Recently discoverd hving had this "airplane" (and History) "bug" about 50 years. Half century ago I did assmble and paint 1/72nd Scale model of Frog Hurrciance Mk. II;
remains of this can (possibly) be found if one turned up the bottom of 1/72 scale parts bin. But last 20 years have passed by without modelling. However stocks await in gangway cabinet.

-Ed

[noggin]

Video of them in use.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eElcG3YgoY

[Tim O.]

Bill

If you look at pages 7a and 7b of Werner Petersen's Flugbuch, copies of which I sent you some time ago, you will see reference to the use of this rocket assisted take-off device on a Heinkel He 111 on 30th October 1940. The Germans were using this technology surprisingly early in the war.

[edwest]

Yes, post-War reports do indicate that the Germans were fielding "a little too advanced for its time" technology.


Scroll down to see an Ar-234 fitted with the Walther device.


http://b-29s-over-korea.com/German-J...-WWII_pg1.html




Ed

[edNorth]

Originally Posted by Tim O.

Bill

If you look at pages 7a and 7b of Werner Petersen's Flugbuch, copies of which I sent you some time ago, you will see reference to the use of this rocket assisted take-off device on a Heinkel He 111 on 30th October 1940. The Germans were using this technology surprisingly early in the war.

Germans also tried whinches for launching He 111´s at Rechlin.
And they also tried RATO on takeoff for long distance attempt on He 116 D-ARFD in July 1939. German Secret Flight Test Centres to 1945, P. 190.

[bill norman]

Tim. Correct - thanks for reminding me! Wikipedia (not always the most reliable of sources!) says the Walter 109-500 went into service in 1942. Thus I wonder if Petersen's aircraft used a different type? Having said that, I do have evidence that suggests that the Walter 109-500 might well have been in service
in early 1941. Any thoughts?

Noggin. Thanks for your input- interesting clip!

Ed. Thanks for the additional info. Any thoughts on the Wikipedia claim?

Bill Norman
(website: www.billnorman.co.uk