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Lippisch - von Opel Rocket Storchs
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Storch model with a Sander rocket, 1928 |
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The canard aircraft Ente used in rocket flight tests |
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Schematic of proposed von Opel rocket plane |
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In 1928 Fritz von Opel and the Sander corporation (a manufacturer of rocket motors) requested Lippisch to install a small rocket motor in one of their planes, a historic first. Several tailless
models were flown after being fitted with small rockets. Long burning rockets were installed into the experimental canard aircraft Ente. Several successful flights were made by Fritz Stamer.
The rockets used for propulsion were unpredictable, but the tests went well enough for the RRG to start the design and construction of a special swept-back wing aircraft for furthers tests. Differences
with von Opel brought the project to an early end without the aircraft ever being built.
Although somewhat abortive, this brief test program was the beginning of the train of thought which led to the Me 163.
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