Above the nose of Bachem BA 349 Natter model plane was a ring sight for the nose-mounted rocket armament, which was covered by a jettisonable plastic fairing before launch. Twin 30-mm. (1.18-in.) MK 10C8 cannon were proposed but never fitted.
The fuselage was constructed of wood. The only metal parts were control push rods, hinges and load-supporting attachment points.
Protection for Natter pilots were of major importance, with sandwich-type armor being fitted on all four sides. Instrumentation in the cockpit was spartan. Plans to fit an ejection seat were rejected because of space constraints.
Cruciform fins on the rear fuselage carried the control surfaces. Elevators and rudders, operating deferentially provided roll control.
Originally it was envisaged that the Natter would make ramming attacks on bomber formations once it had expended its rockets. This would have necessitated fitting an ejection seat for the pilot, but the idea was abandoned and a jettisonable nose was fitted instead.
The main engine was a variant of that fitted to the Messerschmitt Me 163 interceptor. For vertical launch four booster rockets were added, which burned during the first 10 seconds of flight.
No comments:
Post a Comment