1944 Bachem Ba-349A, Natter (English: Viper)
This was a last-ditch-effort for air defence of Germany near the end of WWII. This rocket-powered interceptor was launched vertically. Unmanned launch test were conducted as well as glider test. The only manned vertical launch was on March 1, 1945, ended in the death of the test pilot, Lothar Sieber. Two months later Germany surrendered.
Powered by a 3,500 lb Walter HWK 109-509A-2 rocket motor. This is the same rocket moter as used in the Me 163. The Natter also had four Schmidding SG34 solid fuel rocket boosters which provider 10,600 lb of thrust for 10 sec.
The next two photos are of a captured Natter on display at Freeman Field, Indiana September 1945.
Aeroplane Photo Supply photo number 3801.
The following is a replica built with some original parts.
Fantasy of Flight Museum, Polk City, FL, May 2010
