| Plane type & model |
Dive bomber (HS132 C) |
The Hs 132 programme started in early 1944 to replace the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bomber with a jet version. This plane was to have enough speed to be able to survive against enemy air and ground forces. The pilot was to lie prone behind a glass nose canopy; this posture was supposed to allow the pilot to better resist the g-forces encountered when pulling out of a dive. This also allowed the advantage of a reduced frontal area, therefore reducing drag, and it was thought that Allied anti-aircraft gunners would not be able to hit such a small, fast target. As with the Heinkel He 162, the engine was to be mounted on top of the fuselage to facilitate speedy installation and maintenance. The all-wooden wings were straight and mid-set in the fuselage, which like the remainder of the aircraft, was made of metal. The structure was designed to withstand a peak force of 12g during the escape from an attack. Six prototypes were ordered, but by the end of the war, only the first one was near completion, with the others in various advanced states. They were captured by the Soviets and it is not known if they were ever flown, although they were scheduled to fly by Henschel in June 1945. Three versions were envisaged with varying powerplants and armaments. |
