This WW2 Plane Was A 400MPH Death Trap

The Fieseler Fi 103R, codenamed “Reichenberg,” was one of Germany’s desperate attempts to turn the tide of World War II. However, even Hitler found the proposal too gruesome.

Roots

The controversial Reichenberg project originated in the early years of WWII, when both the Allies and Nazis raced to develop decisive weapons. Germany invested heavily in advanced technology, leading to several innovative yet impractical “wonder weapons.”

The Reichenberg Project

Hanna Reitsch was a remarkable figure, becoming the first woman to fly a helicopter, a rocket plane, and a jet fighter, while surviving numerous crashes as a test pilot. In February 1944, she traveled to Hitler’s mountain retreat in Berchtesgaden, hoping to convince him to approve the Reichenberg. Initially reluctant, Hitler was eventually persuaded.

Development of the Reichenberg began in secret in 1944, facing numerous challenges as it transformed from an unmanned flying bomb into a piloted aircraft. A cramped cockpit was added in front of the pulse jet intake, placing the pilot perilously close to the screaming engine with no realistic escape route.

Like the V-1, the Reichenberg used a pulsejet engine, specifically the Argus As 014, which produced about 350 pounds of thrust, enabling a top speed of 400 mph. To address takeoff challenges, it was designed to be launched from a carrier aircraft, typically a Heinkel He 111 bomber, which allowed it to approach targets closely before launch.

Issues

News of the project spread, appealing to young, fanatical pilots eager to make a noble sacrifice for the Fatherland. By October 1944, 70 pilots had trained to fly the Reichenberg.

However, test flights revealed numerous issues. Hanna Reitsch, volunteering as a test pilot, faced difficult handling characteristics and vibrations from the pulsejet engines, enduring several landing accidents. These persistent problems failed to garner support from the German military.

Final Blow

The project faced its final blow in March 1945, when Werner Baumbach, commander of the Luftwaffe’s special operations wing, met with Hitler. Baumbach passionately argued against the Reichenberg, asserting that its missions contradicted the German warrior tradition.

His argument resonated with Hitler, who always viewed himself as a soldier. With the war nearing its end and having never been fully comfortable with the project, Hitler ultimately agreed to cancel the Reichenberg program.