During World War II, the brothers Reimar and Walter Horten designed a flying wing powered by jet engines for the German Luftwaffe (Air Force). The plane was proposed in response to a Luftwaffe request for a plane that could carry a 1000 kg load, 3000 km, at 1000 km/hour. Reimar had experimented with piloted all-wing aircraft since 1933, using his skills as designer and aerodynamicist to overcome several of the limitations that had always plagued the all-wing configuration. This is the third prototype, built by the Gothaer Waggonfabrik firm. The U. S. VIII Army of General Patton’s Third Army found this prototype at Friedrichroda, Germany, in April 1945. The wings were found at a separate location.
See all of my photos relating to this plane.
Seen at the Smithsonian Institution’s Air & Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center.
