Germany's Bachem Ba 349 Natter Fighter1
Bachem Ba 349 Natter fighter:
Bachem Ba 349 Natter fighter:
Bachem Ba 349 Natter fighter:
Bachem Ba 349 Natter fighter:
Design
Erich Bachem proposed his rocket powered interceptor in 1939 but there was no official support.1
The German Air Ministry asked for a small point interceptor for which four companies submitted designs and Bachem's was selected.1 This was primarily due to the influence of Heinrich Himmler who was looking for more influence.1
Because of the economic situation the Natter was to be made from wood and be simply made.1
It was launched from a vertical rail with an autopilot and rocket boosters.1 As the Natter got to the level of bombers the pilot would take control.1 He would make a pass using the rockets.1 The Natter then went down to 4,600' / 1,400 m and the nose would separate from the fuselage and the pilot would descend by parachute with the fuselage.1
The pilot was protected by armor on four sides.1 There was plans for an ejection seat, but there was no room.1
An He 111 carried an unpowered prototype Natter up to 18,000' / 5,500 m and released it.1 Test launches were done with dummy pilots.1
Oberleutnant L. Siebert died during the first manned test.1
Production
Thirty six were built and only 10 became operational.1 However, these were destroyed when the American forces approached their base.1
| Ba 349A Natter1 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Fighter1 |
| Crew | 11 |
| Engine (Type) | 1: Walter HWK 509C-1 bi-fuel rocket motor1 plus 4: Schmidding solid fuel rockets1 |
| Thrust | Walter: 3,748 lb1 Schmidding: 2,640 lb1 |
| Dimensions | |
| Span | 11' 10"1 3.6 m1 |
| Length | 20'1 6.1 m1 |
| Wing area | 30 ft2 1 2.75 m2 1 |
| Weight | |
| Empty | |
| Loaded | 4,850 lb1 2,200 kg1 |
| Performance | |
| Speed @ 16,400' / 5,000 m | 619 mph1 998 kph1 |
| Climb | 36,415'/min1 11,400 m/min1 |
| Service ceiling | |
| Combat radius @ 12,000' / 39,400' | 25 miles1 40 km1 |
| Armament | |
| Nose | 24: 73 mm Hs 217 Föhn rockets1 |
| Production |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, General Editor: Jim Winchester, 2004
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