Powered take-off device?

[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