The flying wing concept
was developed bu Reimar and Walter Horten in 1931 as a private venture.
When the brothers joined the Luftwaffe, they carried on with their development
under instruction of the government. The aircraft was first proposed
to be driven by two piston engines with usher propellers and to be used as
a trainer/communications aircraft.
The Horten brothers, however, was thinking of a turbine jet driven fighter, but the government did not take to this idea ad stopped to support the Horten brothers. Despite of this setback, the Horten brothers still went on to develop their jet powered flying wing fighter, the Horten IX. Their first prototype, Ho IX V1, was only a glider, used for aerodynamic tests and flew in 1944. After this,the government was interested again in their work and ordered the Gothaer Waggonfabrik to develop the Horten brothers's concept further. | |
The first powered Ho IX (Go 229) V2, was powered by two Jumo 004 turbine jet engines. It flew in January 1945.It attained a maximum level speed of 497 mph. | |
The aircraft had a simple type of ejector seat and armament was proposed to consist of four 30mm MK103 or MK108 cannon and had carrying capabilities for two 1000 kg bombs or two external fuel tanks. |
Specifications
(manufacturer's estimated figures)
Type | Single-seat fighter-bomber |
Power Plants | Two Junkers Jumo 004B-1, -2 or -3 axial-flow turbo-jets, each rated at 1,962 lb.s.t |
Armament | Four 30mm MK103 or MK108 cannon plus two 1000 kg SC1000 bombs |
Performance | Maximum speed at sea level (16,550 lb) : 590 mph Maximum speed at 39,370 ft : 607 mph Maximum continuous cruise speed (two thirds power) at 39,800 ft : 429mph Range on internal fuel : 1,180 mls Range at average speed of 393 mph with external fuel tanks :1,970 mls Initial climb rate (at 16,550 lb) : 4,330 ft/min Maximum ceiling : 52,500 ft |
Weights | Empty equipped : 10,140 lb Normal loaded : 16,550 lb Maximum overloaded : 19,840 lb |
Dimensions | Span : 54 ft. 11 3/4 in. Length : 24 ft. 6 in. Height : 9 ft. 2 1/4 in. Wing area : 565.15 sq.ft. |
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