This is one of the last Fieseler Fi103s left in existence on display at Headcorn Airfield in Kent.
It is essentially a V1 flying bomb with a cockpit added. The idea was that the pilot would fly it nearly into the target and then bail out turning the bomb into a cruise missile. The canopy opened sideways and the jet intake was right behind the pilot's head. Survival chances were reckoned at 1%.
As far as I know it was never used in combat but it was intended for a special flight of KG200 under the code name Reichenberg.
That's a new one to me! It makes you wonder if the Luftwaffe would have actually found any volunteers to pilot it! Kind regards, Brian.
ReplyDeleteI suppose there was always the Hitler Youth.
DeleteHannah Reitsch was a big factor in their development too, she pushed for 'kamikaze' weapons to be adopted by the Germans.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Pete.
I knew she tested it but had no idea she was keen on kamikaze raids. Did she intend to volunteer or just encourage other people.
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