Junkers EF 126
| Company type | Prototype fighter aircraft |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 1944 |
| Headquarters | Germany |
| Products | Fighter aircraft |
The Junkers EF 126 represented a prototype fighter aircraft developed during the German wartime period of 1944–1945, designed as an economical and straightforward fighter powered by a pulsejet engine. Although no production models were finalized before the conflict ended, the Soviet Union subsequently completed both unpowered and powered versions of the prototypes.
This design was later adapted into the Junkers EF 127, which utilized a rocket-powered propulsion system.
Miniaturjäger
In 1944, the German Ministry of Aviation (RLM) initiated a program aimed at creating an inexpensive, low-complexity fighter powered by a pulse jet, similar to the engine used in the V-1 flying bomb and its piloted variant, the Fieseler Fi 103R (Reichenberg).[1] Designs from manufacturers such as Heinkel, Blohm & Voss, and Junkers competed in this program.[2]
EF 126
The EF 126 developed by Junkers shared a configuration reminiscent of the V-1, featuring a single Argus 109-044 pulsejet engine delivering thrust mounted above the rear fuselage and vertical stabilizer. Its construction combined a metal fuselage with wooden wings and included a retractable nosewheel landing gear. Due to the pulsejet’s decreased performance at higher altitudes, the aircraft was intended primarily for low-altitude missions with an additional capability for ground attack. Armament consisted of two 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons along with provision for carrying up to of bombs on wing hardpoints.[3]
Variants
- EF 126 V1
Initial prototype, which was towed by a captured Junkers Ju 88G-6 after the war; later lost in a crash.
- EF 126 V2
Second prototype partially built but left incomplete.
- EF 126 V3,V5
Fully assembled prototypes fitted with Argus pulsejet engines.
- EF 126 V4
Completed model tested by Soviet forces in 1947 with an operational engine.
References
External links
- Junkers EF 126 Image
- German aircraft projects (in German)
- ↑ Smith & Kay 1972, p. 614
- ↑ Smith & Kay 1972, pp. 615–616
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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