What was its purpose?
The Junkers EF 126 Pulse Jet Fighter is part of a family or aircraft that were developed for the “Miniaturjager” concept. The objective was to create a cheap jet fighter that could intercept the Allied bombers fast (with a very quick takeoff) and engage them in the proximity of their target. This was partly due to the fact that Germany was having issues detecting the Allied bomber raids late in the war and also because this would mean a lower consumption of the precious fuel they still had.
When did they start the project?
Work on the design started at the beginning of 1944 and when the “Miniaturjager” program was launched (Autumn of 1944) the design was summitted for review. Although the cost was matching the program requirements work had to begin on a new engine design, which did not finish by the end of the war.
Equipment
The main armament consisted of 2 20mm cannons mounted on the sides of the fuselage. There was also the possibility of carrying 24 R4M rockets which were unguided projectiles meant to be fired at the bomber formations and/or in ground assault role. Alternatively the aircraft could carry 400kg of bombs which were meant for pure ground attack (obviously). As you can see, although the main purpose would be to engage aircraft, The Junkers EF126 Pulse Jet Fighter was able to cover multiple roles, although the poor engine performance at high altitude was the main reason for the ground attack re-purpose, if needed.
Overall performance
This was an aircraft that could fly with speeds of up to 760-780km/h in ideal conditions, with an estimated range of 300-350km, although the upper parts of that estimate assume cruising speed. The reality of air combat meant that it could probably have an autonomy of 200km with an airtime of 20-30 minutes. Now you can understand fully the concept of “Miniaturjager”, which was not meant to forward engage and/or follow the Allied raids, but to simply take off in close proximity of the enemy and quickly engage them before fuel ran out.
Did it fly?
The Junkers EF126 Pulse Jet Fighter did not manage to fly under German colours. By March 1945 all work on it was abandoned however the Soviets were interested in the design and manufactured several prototypes. The first flight took place in May 1946 and by October 1947 several flights were undertaken, all with the airplane being towed (no rocket fuel loaded in the engine) and then landing autonomously in order to test the special “skid” like landing gear. At the end of 1947 all work ceased as the Soviet aircraft designs already caught up with it and it was no longer viable.
How accurate are the designs?
Pretty accurate, considering the aircraft was actually built and flew, as one of the few advanced designs that had that chance.
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All pictures are property of Kyle Scott.
Thank you also to www.luft46.com!
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