the natter has also been described as a human guided missile rather than a fighter. The test pilot apparently died because the canopy wasnt fastened properly. The lightly constructed and somewhat fragile salamander probably would have ended up being a bit of a turkey agaist nene engined p80s and Vampires.
The power of the Natter's motors snapped one test pilot's neck on take off. The chances of escaping from it in its planned mission profile were minimal - it was a suicide aircraft in all but name. Like many other late war Nazi aviation projects it was a cynical use of inexperienced pilots. To call such a cruel weapon 'genius' is disgusting.
The Natter is still a step above the Japanese Ohka - if you consider little chance of escape in the Natter better than 0% chance of escape in the baka bomb
You are probably right in that it had high speed and maneuvreability, I was looking at how easily damaged and lightly armed it would have been. Flt Lt Marks also praised it,was killed when the tailplane came apart because the quality of the adhesives wasnt up to scratch. I think the video is good, and thank Olfux for uploading.The allies had secret leads in making jet engines throttleable and microwave awacs tactical direction, which it might have been measured against in the event.
the natter has also been described as a human guided missile rather than a fighter. The test pilot apparently died because the canopy wasnt fastened properly. The lightly constructed and somewhat fragile salamander probably would have ended up being a bit of a turkey agaist nene engined p80s and Vampires.
The power of the Natter's motors snapped one test pilot's neck on take off. The chances of escaping from it in its planned mission profile were minimal - it was a suicide aircraft in all but name. Like many other late war Nazi aviation projects it was a cynical use of inexperienced pilots. To call such a cruel weapon 'genius' is disgusting.
The Natter is still a step above the Japanese Ohka - if you consider little chance of escape in the Natter better than 0% chance of escape in the baka bomb
You are probably right in that it had high speed and maneuvreability, I was looking at how easily damaged and lightly armed it would have been. Flt Lt Marks also praised it,was killed when the tailplane came apart because the quality of the adhesives wasnt up to scratch. I think the video is good, and thank Olfux for uploading.The allies had secret leads in making jet engines throttleable and microwave awacs tactical direction, which it might have been measured against in the event.
One of the best documentaries, probably the best that talks about the radical German aircraft designs. Thanks a lot for sharing.