german experimental aircraft

Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe

Aviation | world war 2, with the german air force losing its initiative in world war 2, all manner of aircraft designs were in play by the end of the conflict..

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5 German Experimental Planes of WWII That Actually Flew

Australian Military Aviation History / YouTube

During World War II, Germany was known for its advanced aircraft designs, many of which were experimental. As the war progressed, German engineers sought new ways to create more powerful and effective planes. Some of these experimental aircraft were built and tested, pushing the boundaries of aviation technology at the time. While many never made it past the prototype stage, several were successfully flown. Here are five German experimental planes that took to the skies during World War II.

1. Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet

The Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet was one of the most unique aircraft designs of World War II. It was a rocket-powered interceptor designed to quickly reach enemy bombers and destroy them before returning to base. The Komet was the only rocket-powered aircraft ever to see combat. Its top speed far exceeded that of any other plane at the time, making it incredibly difficult for Allied pilots to counter.

However, the Me 163 had significant challenges. The plane’s rocket engine gave it incredible speed but also limited flight time to only a few minutes. Once its fuel was exhausted, the Komet had to glide back to base, making it vulnerable. Additionally, the highly volatile rocket fuel posed a danger to both pilots and ground crews. While the plane’s speed made it an impressive feat of engineering, these limitations kept it from becoming a game-changer in the war.

2. Heinkel He 162 Volksjäger

The Heinkel He 162 Volksjäger, or “People’s Fighter,” was designed in the final stages of the war as a simple, easy-to-build jet fighter. It was developed in response to the pressing need for a fast, effective fighter that could be produced quickly and in large numbers. The He 162 was powered by a single jet engine mounted on top of the fuselage, giving it a distinctive appearance.

Despite being developed under intense time pressure, the He 162 flew successfully. It was one of the fastest planes in the German arsenal, capable of reaching speeds over 550 mph. However, its rushed design led to various problems. The plane was made from cheap materials, and many components were not thoroughly tested, resulting in reliability issues. Few of these jets saw combat, but their successful test flights demonstrated the potential for jet-powered fighters.

3. Horten Ho 229

The Horten Ho 229 was an innovative design created by the Horten brothers. It was one of the first flying wing aircraft and one of the earliest to use jet engines. The concept behind the Ho 229 was to reduce drag and improve speed and fuel efficiency. Its design was groundbreaking, featuring a sleek, tailless body and two jet engines embedded in the wings.

The Ho 229 successfully flew several test flights in the closing months of the war. It showed great promise with its advanced aerodynamics and high speed. The Allies took a special interest in this plane after the war due to its potential stealth capabilities, as the flying wing design reduced its radar signature. Although it never saw combat, the Horten Ho 229 had a lasting influence on aviation, with elements of its design appearing in later aircraft.

4. Messerschmitt Me 262

The Messerschmitt Me 262 was the world’s first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Its development began before the war, but it wasn’t until 1944 that it was ready for combat. The Me 262 was a significant leap forward in aviation technology. It could fly at speeds over 500 mph, far faster than any Allied aircraft at the time.

The Me 262 had a major impact when it entered service. It could outpace Allied bombers and fighters, making it a serious threat. However, its introduction was delayed due to technical issues, and the number of operational Me 262s was relatively small. Despite its success in combat, fuel shortages, mechanical problems, and the overall state of the war meant that it couldn’t turn the tide in Germany’s favor. Nevertheless, the Me 262 remains one of the most important experimental aircraft of World War II.

5. Arado Ar 234 Blitz

The Arado Ar 234 Blitz was the world’s first operational jet-powered bomber. It was developed as a fast reconnaissance plane and later adapted for bombing missions. Powered by two jet engines, the Ar 234 could fly higher and faster than conventional bombers, making it difficult for enemy fighters to intercept.

The Ar 234 performed its first successful flight in 1943, and by 1944 it was used in combat missions. It was primarily used for reconnaissance due to its speed and ability to avoid detection, but it was also deployed in bombing raids later in the war. The aircraft’s performance impressed the Allies, though like many other advanced German planes, it was introduced too late to significantly affect the outcome of the war. The Ar 234’s success demonstrated the potential of jet-powered bombers in military aviation.

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The aircraft in this list include prototype versions of aircraft used by the German Luftwaffe during World War II and unfinished wartime experimental programmes. In the former, development can stretch back to the 1920s and in the latter the project must have started between 1939-1945.

1. Legitimacy of German Projects

After the surrender of Nazi Germany several of the secret or unfinished projects of German military aircraft gained wide publicity. Also certain postwar planes such as the Bell X-5, F-86 Sabre or the MiG-15 were deemed to have been based on the pioneering work of World War II German aircraft designers. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] German aircraft manufacturers such as Henschel in Kassel had their archives destroyed in the course of the Allied bombing of the Third Reich at the end of World War II. [ 4 ] Hence some of the late Henschel projects that were recreated later are based on documents found in other locations or on second-hand sources and not on the original Henschel technical drawings.

( Arado Flugzeugwerke GmbH )

• Arado Ar 234 - jet bomber
• Arado Ar 240 [ 5 ]
• Arado Ar 560
• Arado E.300 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.310 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.340 Medium bomber [ 5 ]
• Arado E.370 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.371 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.375 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.377 [ 5 ] Mistel glide bomb
• Arado E.377a [ 5 ] jet-powered version of Arado E.377
• Arado E.380 [ 5 ] Arado Ar 196 with folding wings
• Arado E.381 I - Parasite fighter [ 5 ]
• Arado E.381 II - Parasite fighter [ 5 ]
• Arado E.381 III - Parasite fighter [ 5 ]
• Arado E.385 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.390 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.395 [ 5 ] Swept wing jet bomber (Reference: German Air Projects vol. 3 1935-1945, Marek Rys)
• Arado E.396 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.401 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.430 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.432 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.433 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.440 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.441 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.470 [ 5 ] Giant bomber (Reference: German Air Projects vol. 3 1935-1945, Marek Rys)
• Arado E.480 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.490 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.500 - Heavy fighter [ 5 ]
• Arado E.530 - Bomber - zwilling' design [ 5 ]
• Arado E.532 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.555 - proposed long range flying wing bomber [ 5 ] work stopped at end of 1944.
• Arado E.560 Swept wing jet bomber
• Arado E.561 - Heavy fighter [ 5 ]
• Arado E.580 - Fighter [ 5 ]
• Arado E.581 - Flying wing fighter [ 5 ]
• Arado E.581-4 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.581-5 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.583 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.625 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.632 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.651 [ 5 ]
• Arado E.654 - Heavy fighter [ 5 ]
• Arado Projekt I - Night fighter [ 5 ]
• Arado Projekt II - Night/All-weather fighter [ 5 ]
• Arado PTL-Strahlbomber - Swept wing turboprop bomber (Reference: German Air Projects vol. 3 1935-1945, Marek Rys)
• Arado TEW 16/43-13 [ 5 ]
• Arado TEW 16/43-15 [ 5 ]
• Arado TEW 16/43-19 [ 5 ]
• Arado TEW 16/43-23 [ 5 ]

( Bachem-Werke )

• Bachem Ba 349 Natter [ 5 ]
• Ba BP 20 - (Manned Flak Rocket) First versions of Ba 349, some Non-VTO fitted with fixed landing gear and solid nose for flight testing [ 5 ]

4. Blohm &Amp; Voss

• Blohm & Voss BV 138 - Flying boat
• Blohm & Voss Ha 139 - Seaplane transport
• Blohm & Voss Ha 140 - Seaplane prototype
• Blohm & Voss BV 141 - Reconnaissance aircraft
• Blohm & Voss Ha 142 - Transport
• Blohm & Voss BV 143 - Glide bomb (prototype) [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss BV 144 [ 5 ] - Prototype passenger transport (1944)
• Blohm & Voss BV 155 - ME155b conversion single seat fighter (1944)
• Blohm & Voss BV 222 - 6 engine flying boat transport (1940)
• Blohm & Voss BV 237 - dive bomber, ground attack [ 6 ]
• Blohm & Voss BV 238
• Blohm & Voss BV 40 - Glider fighter
• Blohm & Voss BV 246 - guided glide bomb
• Blohm & Voss L 10 - Low-speed variant of the BV 950
• Blohm & Voss L 11 - High-speed variant of the BV 950
• Blohm & Voss BV 250 Land version of BV 238 (Reference: German Air Projects vol. 3 1935-1945, Marek Rys)
• Blohm & Voss P 1 - Single-seat fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 4 - Single-seat trainer (Ha 136 development) [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 5 - General purpose [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 6 - Dive bomber (Ha 137 development) [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 7 - Biplane dive bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 8 - Flying boat [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 9 - Flying boat (twin boom) [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 10 - General purpose [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 11 - Carrier based dive bomber (Ha 137 development) [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 12 - Flying boat [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 13 - Flying boat (twin hull) [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 14 - Reconnaissance flying boat [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 15 - Float Plane (Ha 139 development) [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 16 - Float Plane (Ha 139 development) [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 17 - Float Plane (Ha 139 development) [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 18 - Asymmetric fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 19 - Reconnaissance (Ha 139 development) [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 20 - Bomber (Ha 139 development) [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 21 - General purpose [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 22 - Fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 23 - P.22 development w/increased wing span [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 24 - Fighter/trainer for Japan [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 25 - Dive bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 27 - Dive Bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 28 - Rotating wing twin boom aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 29 - Passenger aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 33 - Long-range bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 37 - Float Plane and torpedo fighter (Ha 139 development) [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 38 - Land version of Ha 139 w/increased wing span [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 39 - Bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 40 - Asymmetric ground attacker aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 41 - Improved version of Ha 137 [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 42 - Flying boat (twin boom) [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 43 - Flying boat [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 44 - Asymmetric reconnaissance aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 45 - Passenger transport w/rocket-assisted takeoff [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 46 - Ha 142 passenger aircraft development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 47 - Passenger transport w/rocket-assisted takeoff [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 48 - Bomber version of Ha 142 for Japan [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 49 - Passenger float plane [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 50 - Freight float plane [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 51 - Freight float plane [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 52 - Passenger float plane [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 53 - Passenger float plane [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 54 - Passenger flying boat (BV 222 development) [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 55 - Improved version of Ha 140 [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 56 - Seaplane dive bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 57 - Flying boat [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 58 - Naval dive bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 59 - Dive and torpedo bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 60 - Flying boat [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 61 - Improved version of Ha 138 [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 62 - Asymmetric dive bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 63 - Fast bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 64 - Long range aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 65 - Attack version of Ha 141 [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 66 - Naval dive bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 67 - Mine laying aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 68 - Mine layer version of BV 222 [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 69 - Target drone [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 70 - Fast bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 71 - Bomber/heavy fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 72 - Attack version of Ha 141 [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 73 - Bomber w/pusher propellers [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 74 - Multipurpose version of Ha 141 [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 75 - Multipurpose version of Ha 141 [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 76 - Long range reconnaissance version of BV 222 [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 77 - Long range reconnaissance version of BV 222 [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 78 - Long range floatplane [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 79 - Long range floatplane [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 80 - Transoceanic aircraft w/twin floats [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 81 - Long range aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 83 - Trans-atlantic aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 84 - Long range aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 85 - Trans-atlantic aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 86 - Trans-atlantic aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 88 - Long range heavy fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 89 - Long range heavy fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 90 - Long range heavy fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 92 - Passenger aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 94 - Improved BV 138 [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 95 - BV 222 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 96 - BV 222 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 97 - BV 222 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 98 - BV 222 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 99 - BV 222 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 100 - Target drone [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 101 - Target drone [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 103 - Asymmetric airliner [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 104 - Airliner w/tail-mounted propeller [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 105 - BV 222 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 106 - BV 222 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 107 - BV 222 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 108 - BV 138 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 109 - BV 138 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 110 - BV 138 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 111 - Asymmetric BV 138 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 112 - Asymmetric BV 138 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 113 - Asymmetric seaplane [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 114 - BV 141 heavy fighter version [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 116 - BV 222 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 117 - BV 222 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 118 - BV 222 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 119 - BV 222 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 122 - Maritime patrol floatplane [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 123 - Twin hull patrol flying boat [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 124 - Maritime patrol flying boat [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 125 - Maritime patrol floatplane [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 127 - Single-seat fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 128 - Asymmetric single-seat fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 129 - Fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 131 - Airliner w/tail-mounted propeller [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 134 - Fast bomber w/pusher propeller [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 135 - Asymmetric fast bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 138 - Long range reconnaissance flying boat [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 139 - Flying boat [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 140 - Passenger aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 141 - Asymmetric passenger aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 142 - Passenger aircraft w/rotating wing [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 143 - Passenger aircraft w/rotating wing [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 144 - Maritime patrol aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 145 - Maritime twin float patrol aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 146 - P.144 development for DLH [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 147 - P.142 development for transport [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 148 - Flying boat [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 149 - Flying boat [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 150 - Trans-atlantic flying boat w/pressurized cabin [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 155 - Asymmetric dive bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 160 - Trans-atlantic flying boat [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 161 - Land version of BV 238 [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 162 - Bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 163 - Bomber/heavy fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 164 - Asymmetric fast bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 165 - Asymmetric fast bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 166 - Fast bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 167 - Twin BV 250 land version [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 168 - Asymmetric fighter/bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 170 - Fast bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 171 - Fast bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 172 - Dive bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 173 - Long-range bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 174 - Glider bomb [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 175 - Parasite fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 176 - BV 237 armored version [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 177 - Asymmetric jet fighter/bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 178 - Asymmetric jet fighter/bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 179 - Asymmetric fighter/bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 180 - Fighter/bomber w/rotating wing [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 181 - Fighter/bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 182 - Fighter/bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 183 - Long range patrol aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 184 - Long range patrol aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 184.01
• Blohm & Voss P 185 - Ground attack aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 186 - Glider fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 187 - Land version of BV 222 [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 188 - Jet bomber w/compound swept wing [ 7 ] [ 8 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 190 - Single seat jet fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 191 - Flak suppression aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 192 - Ground attack aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 193 - Ground attack aircraft w/pusher propeller [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 194 - Asymmetric mixed propulsion ground attacker aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 195 - High altitude fighter w/ turbo supercharger [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 196 - Twin boom jet ground attack aircraft [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 197 - Single seat jet fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 198 - High altitude jet fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 199 - High altitude jet fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 200 - Trans-atlantic passenger flying boat [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 201 - High altitude rocket powered interceptor [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 202 - Swing wing jet fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 203 - Night/heavy fighter w/ mixed propulsion [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 204 - Ground attack aircraft w/ mixed propulsion [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 205 - BV 155 development [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 206 - Long-range bomber [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 207.02 - Fighter w/ pusher propeller [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 207.03 - Fighter w/ pusher propeller [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 208 - Tailless fighter w/pusher propeller [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 209.01 - Tailless jet fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 209.02 - Single seat forward swept wing jet fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 210 - Tailless jet fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 211.01 - Swept wing jet fighter [ 9 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 211.02 - 1944 "Volksjäger" project submission [ 9 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 212 - Tailless jet fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 213 - Pulse jet miniature fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 214 - Piloted tailless flying bomb [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 215 - Tailless jet night fighter [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 217 - Unconfirmed project number for the Ae 607 [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss P 237 - Asymmetric dive bomber ( BV 237 ) [ 5 ]
• Blohm & Voss Ae 607 [ 5 ] [ 10 ]

( Bayerische Motoren-Werke GmbH )

• BMW Strahlbomber I [ 5 ] Swept wing tailless jet bomber (Reference: German Air Projects vol. 3 1935-1945, Marek Rys)
• BMW Strahlbomber II [ 5 ] Swept wing tailless jet bomber (Reference: German Air Projects vol. 3 1935-1945, Marek Rys)
• BMW Schnellbomber I [ 5 ] Swept wing turboprop bomber (Reference: German Air Projects vol. 3 1935-1945, Marek Rys)
• BMW Schnellbomber II [ 5 ] forward swept wing turboprop bomber (Reference: German Air Projects vol. 3 1935-1945, Marek Rys)
• BMW Strahljäger I [ 5 ]
• BMW Strahljäger II [ 5 ]
• BMW Strahljäger III [ 5 ]
• BMW Strahljäger IV [ 5 ]

6. Daimler-Benz

( Daimler-Benz )

• Daimler-Benz Projekt A - Giant carrier aircraft with underslung twin-engined jet bomber with V-tail, project [ 5 ]
• Daimler-Benz Projekt B - Giant carrier aircraft with underslung single engine jet bomber, project [ 5 ]
• Daimler-Benz Projekt C - Giant carrier aircraft designed for launching missiles [ 5 ]
• Daimler-Benz Projekt D - Giant carrier aircraft of different configuration with underslung Projekt B bomber [ 5 ]
• Daimler-Benz Projekt E - Giant carrier aircraft designed to carry 6 piloted Projekt F missiles [ 5 ]
• Daimler-Benz Projekt F - parasite manned missile carried by Projekt E carrier. Possible suicide craft as escape downwards near target nearly impossible at speed. [ 5 ]
• Daimler Benz JÄGER [ 5 ]

( Dornier Werke GmbH )

• Dornier Do 10 Test-bed fighter
• Dornier Do 192/214 Transport flying boat (prototype) [ 5 ]
• Dornier Do 174/216 [ 5 ]
• Dornier Do 247/601 [ 5 ]
• Dornier Do 252 [ 5 ]
• Dornier Do 256 [ 5 ]
• Dornier Do 335Z [ 5 ]
• Dornier Do 435 [ 5 ]
• Dornier Do 535 [ 5 ]
• Dornier Do 635 (Junkers Ju 635) development of Dornier Do 335 project [ 5 ]
• Dornier P.59 [ 5 ]
• Dornier P.174 [ 5 ]
• Dornier P.192 [ 5 ]
• Dornier P.231 [ 5 ]
• Dornier P.232 [ 5 ]
• Dornier P.238 [ 5 ]
• Dornier P.247 [ 5 ]
• Dornier P.252 [ 5 ]
• Dornier P.254 [ 5 ]
• Dornier P.256 [ 5 ]
• Dornier P.273 [ 5 ]
• Dornier P.1075 [ 5 ]

( Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Segelflug )

• DFS 39 Lippisch-designed tailless research aircraft
• DFS 40 Lippisch-designed tail-less research aircraft
• DFS 194 Rocket-powered research aircraft, forerunner of Me 163
• DFS 228 Rocket-powered reconnaissance aircraft (2 prototypes)
• DFS 346 Supersonic research aircraft (incomplete prototype only)
• DFS Eber Ramming interceptor

9. Fieseler

(Gerhard Fieseler Werke GmbH)

• Fieseler Fi 333
• Fieseler Fi 356 [ 11 ]

10. Flettner

( Flettner Flugzeugbau GmbH / Anton Flettner G.m.b.H. )

• Flettner Fl 184 Reconnaissance helicopter
• Flettner Fl 185 Reconnaissance helicopter
• Flettner Fl 265 Reconnaissance helicopter
• Flettner Fl 282 Kolibri Reconnaissance helicopter
• Flettner Fl 339 Reconnaissance helicopter

11. Focke-Achgelis

• Focke-Achgelis Fa 225 [ 12 ]
• Focke-Achgelis Fa 269 VTOL aircraft [ 12 ]
• Focke-Achgelis Fa 283 [ 12 ]
• Focke-Achgelis Fa 284 [ 12 ]
• Focke-Achgelis Fa 325 Transport multicopter [ 12 ]

12. Focke-Wulf

( Focke-Wulf Flugzeugbau G.m.b.H. )

• Focke-Wulf P.II
• Focke-Wulf Ta 183 paper-only "Third-generation" jet fighter
• Focke-Wulf Fw 191 Bomber B medium bomber program entry
• Focke-Wulf Fw 250
• Focke-Wulf Fw 252
• Focke-Wulf Fw 281
• Focke-Wulf Ta 283 Ramjet-powered fighter
• Focke-Wulf Fw 300 a replacement for the Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor airliner, also for maritime patrol duties
• Focke-Wulf Ta 400 six-engine, trans-Atlantic range Amerika Bomber design competitor
• Focke-Wulf Fw 491 (Fw 391 development) (project)
• Focke-Wulf Fw 500 VTOL Heavy fighter
• Focke-Wulf Ta VTOL Project
• Focke-Wulf Volksjäger 1
• Focke-Wulf Volksjäger 2
• Focke-Wulf Volksflugzeug
• Focke-Wulf Jägerprojekt I [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Bomberprojekt 1000x1000x1000 [ 13 ] Twin jet bomber
• Focke-Wulf Jägerprojekt 000-222-018 [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Jägerprojekt with BMW 803 [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Jägerprojekt with 2 BMW 801F [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Jägerprojekt 603s-001 [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Jägerprojekt II [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Jägerprojekt III [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Jägerprojekt IV [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Jägerprojekt VI [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Jägerprojekt VII Flitzer [ 14 ]
• Focke-Wulf Jägerprojekt VIII (Fw 281) [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Nachtjägerprojekt 011-45 [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Nachtjägerprojekt 011-46 [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Nachtjägerprojekt 011-47 [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Nachtjägerprojekt 0310251-13 [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Projekt 195 (Fw 249) [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Projekt 82114 [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Projekt 0310025-1006 [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Projekt 031022 (Fw 261) [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Projekt 0310224-20/21 [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Projekt 0310224-30 [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Projekt 0310226-127 [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Projekt 0310251-51 [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Projekt Super-Lorin [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Projekt Super-TL [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Triebflügel [ 13 ]
• Focke-Wulf Rochen

( Gothaer Waggonfabrik )

• Gotha Projekt P 35 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 39 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 40B [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 45 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 46 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 47 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 50/I [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 50/II [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 52 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 53 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 56 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 58 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 60 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 3001 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 3002 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 8001 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 9001 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 9007 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 10003 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 11001 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 12001 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 14002 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 14012 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 16001 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 17002 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 20001 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 21005 [ 13 ]
• Gotha Projekt P 35001 [ 13 ]

14. Heinkel

( Ernst Heinkel A.G. )

• Heinkel He 176 Rocket-powered experimental aircraft (prototype), First manned liquid-fueled rocket aircraft to fly
• Heinkel He 177B first proposal for a four-engined version of the He 177A, three prototypes completed, at least two flown.
• Heinkel He 178 Jet-powered experimental aircraft, world's first turbojet-powered aircraft to fly (August 1939)
• Heinkel He 274 Four-engine high-altitude heavy bomber development of the He 177, two prototypes (of six ordered) completed by the French after war.
• Heinkel He 277 Paper-only four-engine Amerika Bomber bomber development of the He 177, designated by February 1943, cancelled April 1944
• Heinkel He 280 First jet fighter.
• Heinkel P.1064 [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1065 [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1066 [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1068 [ 13 ] - project number from DFS for Heinkel He 343 jet bomber
• Heinkel P.1055.01
• Heinkel P.1069 [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1070 [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1071 [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1072 [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1073.01 [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1073.02 [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1073.03 [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1073.04 [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1074 [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1075 (Do 635) [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1076 [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1077 Julia [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1078 [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1079 [ 13 ]
• Heinkel P.1080 [ 13 ]
• Heinkel Wespe [ 13 ]
• Heinkel Lerche [ 13 ]
• Heinkel Strabo 16 [ 13 ]

15. Henschel

( Henschel Flugzeugwerke A.G. )

• Henschel Hs 132 jet-powered dive bomber
• Henschel Projekt P.54 [ 15 ]
• Henschel Projekt P.72 [ 15 ]
• Henschel Projekt P.75 [ 15 ]
• Henschel Projekt P.76 [ 15 ]
• Henschel Projekt P.80 [ 15 ]
• Henschel Projekt P.87 [ 15 ]
• Henschel Projekt P.122 [ 15 ]
• Henschel Projekt P.135 [ 15 ]
• Henschel Projekt P.J. 600/67 [ 15 ]
• Henschel Projekt P. Transporter [ 15 ]
• Horten Ho 229 Experimental flying wing fighter-bomber prototype
• Horten Ho XVIII Flying wing jet bomber (Reference: German Air Projects vol. 3 1935-1945, Marek Rys)

(Ulrich Hütter and Wolfgang Hütter)

• Hütter Hü 136 Stubo1

18. Junkers

( Junkers Flugzeug-Werke A.G. )

• Junkers Ju 187 Dive bomber
• Junkers Ju 322 Mammut transport glider (prototype), 1941
• Junkers Ju 290 Long-range bomber (prototype)
• Junkers Ju 288 Bomber B program favored contender (prototype)
• Junkers Ju 390 six engined Amerika Bomber design competitor, derivative of the Ju 290 (two airworthy prototypes)
• Junkers Ju 287 Heavy bomber (jet-engined) (prototype)
• Junkers Ju 635
• Junkers EF 008 (Entwicklung Flugzeug) [ 16 ]
• Junkers EF 009 Hubjäger (German: "lift-fighter") [ 15 ] [ 16 ]
• Junkers EF 010 High speed jet aircraft designed for record breaking speed [ 16 ]
• Junkers EF 011 Hubjäger (German: "lift-fighter") [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 012 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 015 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 017 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 018 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 019 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 043 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 050 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 061
• Junkers EF 072 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 073 Medium bomber developed into Ju 288 [ 16 ]
• Junkers EF 077 Airliner project developed into Ju 252 [ 16 ]
• Junkers EF 094 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 100 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 101 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 112 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 115 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 116 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 122 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 125 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 126 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 127 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 128 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 130 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 131 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 132 Heavy bomber [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 135 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 140
• Junkers EF 150
• Junkers EF with BMW 801 [ 15 ]
• Junkers EF 2x Jumo 004 [ 15 ]
• Junkers project GAA

19. Lippisch

• Lippisch Li 163S [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.01-111 [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.01-119 [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.03 [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.04-107a [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.04-106 [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.04-114 [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.05 [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.06 [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.08 [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.09 [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.10 [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.11 [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.12 [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.13 [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.13a [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.13b [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.14 [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.15 [ 15 ]
• Lippisch P.20 [ 15 ]

20. Messerschmitt

• Messerschmitt Bf 109TL [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt Bf 109Z
• Messerschmitt Me 163 first rocket-engined interceptor
• Messerschmitt Me 209-II Fighter (prototype) - not related to the earlier Me 209 air speed record aircraft
• Messerschmitt Me 261 Long-range reconnaissance aircraft
• Messerschmitt Me 262 first jet fighter aircraft
• Messerschmitt Me 263 Interceptor (rocket-engined), also bore Junkers Ju 248 designation
• Messerschmitt Me 264 long-range strategic bomber, first-built Amerika Bomber design competitor (3 airworthy prototypes)
• Messerschmitt Me 265
• Messerschmitt Me 309 Tricycle undercarriage-equipped piston engined fighter (prototype)
• Messerschmitt Me 329
• Messerschmitt Me 334
• Messerschmitt Me 364
• Messerschmitt Me 409 Heavy fighter, (Me 209 derivative) (project), 1944
• Messerschmitt Me 462
• Messerschmitt Me 509
• Messerschmitt Me 609 Heavy fighter + bomber (project)
• Messerschmitt P.08.01 [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1070
• Messerschmitt P.1073
• Messerschmitt P.1075
• Messerschmitt P.1079
• Messerschmitt P.1079/1
• Messerschmitt P.1079/2
• Messerschmitt P.1079/10
• Messerschmitt P.1079/13
• Messerschmitt P.1079/15
• Messerschmitt P.1079/16
• Messerschmitt P.1079/18
• Messerschmitt P.1079/51
• Messerschmitt P.1085
• Messerschmitt P.1092
• Messerschmitt P.1092/2 [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1092/3 [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1092/4 [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1092/5 [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1092A
• Messerschmitt P.1092B-1
• Messerschmitt P.1092B-2
• Messerschmitt P.1092A-B [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1095 [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1095/2
• Messerschmitt P.1095/3
• Messerschmitt P.1099A [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1099B [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1100/A
• Messerschmitt P.1100/B
• Messerschmitt P.1100/I [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1100/II [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1101 [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1101/XVIII
• Messerschmitt P.1101/92 [ 15 ] 75mm BK 7.5 mounted jet bomber destroyer
• Messerschmitt P.1101/99 [ 15 ] 55mm MK 114 mounted jet bomber destroyer
• Messerschmitt P.1101/101
• Messerschmitt P.1102 [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1102/105
• Messerschmitt P.1102B
• Messerschmitt P.1103/I [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1103/II [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1104/I [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1104/II [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1106 [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1107/I [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1107/II [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1108/I [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1108/II [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1109 [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1110 "ENTE" [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1110/II [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1111 [ 15 ]
• Messerschmitt P.1112 [ 15 ]

22. Schempp-Hirth

• Göppingen Gö 8
• Göppingen Gö 9 Development aircraft for Do 335 Pfeil

23. Škoda-Kauba

• Škoda-Kauba SK 257 fighter trainer.
• Škoda-Kauba SK P14 ramjet powered interceptor. [ 17 ]

24. Sombold

• Sombold So 344 Schußjäger

25. Stöckel

• Stöckel Rammschussjäger (Ramshot Fighter) ramjet-rocket annular explosive warhead launcher aircraft project, 1944 [ 18 ] [ 19 ]
• Weserflug Bf 163 [ 20 ]
• Weserflug P.1003 - tilt-rotor aircraft project [ 20 ]
• Weserflug P.2127 - twin-boom aircraft project [ 20 ]
• Weserflug P.2130 [ 20 ]
• Weserflug P.2131 [ 20 ]
• Weserflug P.2136 [ 20 ]
• Weserflug P.2137 [ 20 ]
• Weserflug P.2138 - large flying boat project [ 20 ]
• Weserflug P.2146 [ 20 ]
• Weserflug P.2147 [ 20 ]

27. Zeppelin

• Fliegende Panzerfaust [ 20 ]
• Zeppelin Rammer [ 20 ]
• Winchester, Jim. "Bell X-5." Concept Aircraft: Prototypes, X-Planes and Experimental Aircraft. Kent, UK: Grange Books plc., 2005. ISBN:1-84013-809-2
• "North American F-86." Aviation History On-line Museum http://www.aviation-history.com/north-american/f86.html
• "The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 - plane-crazy.net". http://www.plane-crazy.net/links/mig15.htm. 
• Henschel, a Company En Route to International Stature http://www.d13pfad.de/interview-weich-en/
• Nowarra, Heinz J. (1993) (in German). Die Deutsche Luftruestung 1933-1945 Vol.1 - AEG-Dornier. Koblenz: Bernard & Graefe Verlag. ISBN 978-3-7637-5464-9. 
• "Blohm & Voss BV 237 Dimensions, Weights & Performances". http://www.luft46.com/bv/bv237.html. 
• "BV P.188". www.luft46.com. http://www.luft46.com/bv/bvp188-1.html. Retrieved 2011-01-28. 
• "BV P.188". www.luftfahrtmuseum.com. http://www.luftfahrtmuseum.com/htmi/itf/bv188.htm. Retrieved 2011-01-28. 
• "Blohm + Voss". www.wehrmacht-history.com. http://www.wehrmacht-history.com/manufacturers/blohm-and-voss-aircraft-manufacturer.htm. Retrieved 2011-01-28. 
• Dan Sharp; "Bats From Hamburg", Luftwaffe: Secret Wings of the Third Reich, Mortons, 2017, pp.68-73.
• "Fieseler Fi-356". http://wehrmacht-history.com/luftwaffe/projects/fieseler-fi-356-project.htm. Retrieved 25 April 2013. 
• Witkowski, Rotorcraft of Third Reich
• Nowarra, Heinz J.. Die Deutsche Luftruestung 1933-1945 - Vol.2 - Flugzeugtypen Erla-Heinkel. Bernard & Graefe Verlag. 1993. Koblenz. ISBN:3-7637-5464-4 (Gesamtwek), ISBN:3-7637-5466-0 (Band 2)
• Luft'46 Fw Jägerprojekt VII Flitzer] http://www.luft46.com/fw/fwflitz.html
• Nowarra, Heinz J.. Die Deutsche Luftruestung 1933-1945 - Vol.3 - Flugzeugtypen Henschel-Messerschmitt. Bernard & Graefe Verlag. 1993. Koblenz. ISBN:3-7637-5464-4 (Gesamtwek), ISBN:3-7637-5467-9 (Band 3)
• "Archived copy". http://www.wehrmacht-history.com/manufacturers/junkers-manufacturer.htm. 
• Skoda-Kauba Sk P.14.02 - Luft'46 http://www.luft46.com/misc/skp14.html
• Stöckel Rammschussjäger http://www.flying-things.ch/air46/stoeckl.jpg
• "Stöckel (Blohm & Voss) Rammschussjäger". http://www.ipmsusa3.org/gallery/v/members/2011/February/Paul+Markezich/. 
• Nowarra, Heinz J.. Die Deutsche Luftruestung 1933-1945 Vol.4 – Flugzeugtypen MIAG-Zeppelin. Bernard & Graefe Verlag. 1993. Koblenz. ISBN:3-7637-5464-4 (Gesamtwek), ISBN:3-7637-5468-7 (Band 4)

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Luftwaffe X-Planes: German Experimental Aircraft of World War II Paperback – December 14, 2021

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• Print length 80 pages
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Frontline Books (December 14, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
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• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1399018256
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Gooney Birds – 12 Experimental Aircraft That Were Too Weird for Use in WW2

“A number of these experimental aircraft featured designs so innovative and outlandish they call out for recognition even now, more than 70 years later.”

MORE AIRPLANES  rolled off assembly lines during World War Two than in any other period in the history of aviation.

Between 1939 and 1945, Allied factories cranked out a staggering 633,000 aircraft. That’s 288 a day – or one every five minutes for six years straight. For their part, Germany, Italy and Japan manufactured more than a quarter million machines.

In all, at least 750 distinct models of aircraft were in production during the war years. And amazingly, more than 250 additional designs, from fighters and bombers to trainers and transports, were evaluated and rejected by the world’s air forces. Some of these also-rans were passed over for being too expensive, others were too slow, ungainly or not safe for combat. Yet despite their unsuitability, a number of these experimental aircraft featured designs so innovative and outlandish they call out for recognition even now, more than 70 years later. Let’s take a look at some.

Flying Sidesaddle

Despite its decidedly lopsided appearance, the German Blohm and Voss Bv-141 might have been a capable tactical reconnaissance aircraft for the Luftwaffe. The single-engine machine featured a three-man cockpit and observation pod positioned away from the fuselage on the starboard wing. With the exception of a blind spot created by the engine nacelle, the design did afford the observation crew and rear gunner a surprisingly wide field of view. Despite the fact that the plane had a rather high-profile champion in flying ace and Luftwaffe luminary Ernst Udet , Berlin passed on it in 1940 citing the feeble engine as the chief drawback. By the time the manufacturer upgraded the power plant, the German air force had already settled on the Focke-Wulf Fw-189 .

Airborne Anti-Aircraft Gun

The concept of placing aircrew away from the fuselage wasn’t just a German idea. The Bell Aircuda YFM-1 had similar wing mounted crew cabins –  two of them. Developed in the late 1930s as a sort of flying anti-aircraft battery for use against enemy bomber formations, the YFM-1 featured manned forward-facing gun turrets on both wings, each packing a 37mm cannon. To make room for the cabins, the plane’s engines faced aft. The U.S. Army ordered 13 of these curious “bomber destroyers” for evaluation purposes in 1940, but withdrew them from service within two years after the design’s many shortcomings became evident. With a top speed of only 275 mph (450 km/h) the YFM-1 was far too slow to catch most bombers of the day. Also, its “pusher” style engines made for unstable handling and risky bailouts. All models were eventually broken up for scrap.

Failure to Launch

Less of an airplane and more of a flying shotgun, the rocket-powered Bachem Ba-349 Natter interceptor was designed to overtake Allied bombers and pepper the enemy formations with salvos of up to 33 unguided explosive-tipped projectiles. Natters required no runways for take off; they could be launched vertically from just about any flat surface. The plane’s powerful rocket engine was designed to hurtle it 30,000 feet (9,000m) into the air in under a minute. Once at altitude, the pilot could easily overtake and destroy adversaries and then glide back to earth. Both the Luftwaffe and SS expected to add the Natter to their inventories. But by the time the Ba-349 was ready for service, Nazi Germany was mere days from defeat. Only 36 were ever built – none saw action.

Taking the Edge Off

Designers of the McDonnell XP-67 Moonbat hoped that by smoothing the edges of their twin-engine, long-range interceptor, they could create a futuristic fighter that could outfly anything in the air. And while the prototype, which first took the skies in early 1944, certainly looked fast and agile, performance was wanting. With a top speed of just 400 mph (640 km/h), the Moonbat was altogether too slow and its handling mediocre at best. But had the XP-67 entered production, its battery of six 37 mm cannons would have made it a fearsome ground attack machine. The only working model was lost in an accident after only nine months.

Flying Saucer

“Round” was also the watchword for the Vought V-173 Flying Pancake – a twin-engine demonstrator that looked more like a frisbee than an airplane. Despite its solid handling at low speeds (as confirmed by test pilot Charles Lindbergh ) and its ability to take off and land in extremely small spaces, the V-173 never advanced beyond the demonstration phase. Only one was ever manufactured.

Conjoined Twins

A number of wartime designers toyed with the concept of twin fuselage fighters and bombers. North American sought to increase the range of its workhorse escort fighter, the P-51 Mustang, by joining two of the plane’s air frames together. The results were promising. The P-82 Twin Mustang was as nimble as a conventional P-51 but could fly from Hawaii to Manhattan without refueling. [ 1 ] The war ended before the aircraft could be delivered in large numbers; it went into limited production in the late 1940s. Germany took a similar approach with its experimental Messerschmitt Bf-109Z , which included two conjoined fighters with the cockpit situated in the port fuselage.

Strange But True

Speaking of envelope-pushing designs, consider Britain’s Miles M.39 Libellula , a swept-wing, twin-engine, medium bomber demonstrator that flew in 1943. The three-man attack aircraft was designed to deliver a 2,000 lb. payload more than 1,500 miles (2,400 km) at 400 mph (640 km/h). Despite the fact that the sole working prototype displayed impressive handling characteristics, the RAF passed on the unconventional aircraft.

The Ascender

At almost the same time, American engineers at Curtis Wright were also dabbling in swept-wing combat aircraft with the XP-55 Ascender . The pusher-style fighter interceptor was equipped with a rear-facing, three-blade propeller. Up front was a suite of 20 mm cannons and .50 caliber machine guns. The military balked at the design and its underwhelming flight characteristics.

Swoose Goose

Stranger still was the Vultee XP-54 a single-engine twin-boom fighter demonstrator that the military tested in 1943. The single-seat warplane featured a nose section that could be pivoted several degrees vertically, allowing the plane’s two 37 mm cannons to be easily trained towards the ground during level-flight strafing runs. This odd feature earned the XP-54 the nickname the “Swoose Goose” after a popular song of the time. With a top speed of only 380 mph (600 km/h), it’s no surprise that the War Department passed on this ugly ducking.

(Dis) Honourable Mentions

Resembling a giant paper airplane, Nazi Germany’s delta winged Lippisch P.13a rocket plane certainly looked futuristic; yet ironically it ran on a decidedly old fashioned power source: coal. Hitler’s engineers could never really get the idea off the ground in time to save the Third Reich however and none were built.

XP-56 Black Bullet was a stubby, delta-winged experimental American fighter plane first tested in 1943. With aluminum in short supply, developers built the two prototypes using magnesium. While the Black Bullet could reach speeds of up to 460 mph (740 km/h), the military rejected the space-aged design in favour of emerging jet aircraft.

And what list of outlandish experimental aircraft would be complete without mentioning the Hafner Rotabuggy ? A British-built “rotor kite” or autogyro, it was essentially a helicopter air frame built onto an ordinary Jeep. Designed to be dropped onto enemy territory during airborne operations, in tests the Rotabuggy managed to fly for several minutes at speeds of more than 60 mph (100 km/h) reaching an altitude of several hundred feet. Only one was manufactured in 1944. None were ordered.

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1 thought on “ Gooney Birds – 12 Experimental Aircraft That Were Too Weird for Use in WW2 ”

The Twin Mustang was a successful aircraft. One scored the first American air-to-air kill in the Korean War. The Twin was to have served as an escort fighter for the B-36.

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