Ho-229 - fascinating flying wing

[lordlee]

Just watched an excellent program on Nat Geo regarding the Horton 229 flying wing so thought i'd post up a couple of pics and some info. The documentary is on again at 5pm Wednesday for those interested. One of the actual planes is in the States stored away from view - real shame IMO as it would be lovely to see it restored and on display.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529548,00.html
http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/aircraft-requests...

[Eric Mc]

The programme is a bit misleading in that they play up the "stealth" aspect of the design - which was not the prime reason it was built. Also, they do not give enough kudos to Amerrican Jack Northrop, who was also building flying wing designs at the same time.

The sole survivor as she is today -









Revell do a nice model of it too.

Edited by Eric Mc on Sunday 27th December 14:48

[lordlee]

What an absolute crime that the americans haven't got that plane sympathetically restored and returned to germany so it can be enjoyed for historical importance and forward thinking design. Makes you wonder what other machines are locked up in warehouses when they should be shared with everyone.

[Eric Mc]

lordlee said:

What an absolute crime that the americans haven't got that plane sympathetically restored and returned to germany so it can be enjoyed for historical importance and forward thinking design. Makes you wonder what other machines are locked up in warehouses when they should be shared with everyone.

On the contrary. The Americans saved and preserved this aircraft and it is currently in store for the National Air and Space Museum. If they hadn't obtained this one example, NONE would have survived.

At the end of WW2 a number of these advanced German aircraft were seized by the Allies for examination and evaluation. In many cases, it is the examples that were taken to the UK or the USA that became the survivors. The ones left abandooned on German airfields or part finished on production lines were eventaually scrapped.

The Ho229 is currently awaiting its turn for restoration. As can be seen from the pictures, it is essentially all there.

[lordlee]

I am very pleased to hear that it will be being restored as it surely deserves its place in history. Apologies to the Americans!!

[Eric Mc]

They did a great job on the Arado 234 Blitz

[SlipStream77]

Both the Horton and the Arado are featured in the sim IL2 1946, together with many of the other conventional WW2 aircraft. The trailer below shows the prototype aircraft that were added to create the 1946 edition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pk9QA7clU4&fea...

[Mr_B]

Eric Mc said:

The programme is a bit misleading in that they play up the "stealth" aspect of the design - which was not the prime reason it was built. Also, they do not give enough kudos to Amerrican Jack Northrop, who was also building flying wing designs at the same time.

The sole survivor as she is today -









Revell do a nice model of it too.

Edited by Eric Mc on Sunday 27th December 14:48

I think I remember these picture from Fly Past mag and inside the Smithsonian Institution from when I bought it as a teenager - about 20 years ago ! It would be a shame if it is still in the same condition today, although I agree the Americans are to be thanked for saving a great many rare aircraft, not least my favorite and sole survivor - Hawket Typhoon.

[Eric Mc]

Like many museums, they operate on a finite budget (albeit a good one) and have to prioritise. However, it's definitely in safe hands and one day will be restored.

[hurstg01]

Mr_B said:

I think I remember these picture from Fly Past mag and inside the Smithsonian Institution from when I bought it as a teenager - about 20 years ago ! It would be a shame if it is still in the same condition today, although I agree the Americans are to be thanked for saving a great many rare aircraft, not least my favorite and sole survivor - Hawket Typhoon.

Why don't you buy it now you've sold your Mclaren!!

[Mr_B]

hurstg01 said:

Mr_B said:

I think I remember these picture from Fly Past mag and inside the Smithsonian Institution from when I bought it as a teenager - about 20 years ago ! It would be a shame if it is still in the same condition today, although I agree the Americans are to be thanked for saving a great many rare aircraft, not least my favorite and sole survivor - Hawket Typhoon.

Why don't you buy it now you've sold your Mclaren!!

I've never owned a McLaren ? Selling a Lotus Elise and an E30 M3 still wouldn't get me one though. I think you confuse me with someone else. No smug smilie thing needed.

[Eric Mc]

I don't even think a McLaren (F1 presumably) would raise enough to buy one of the the last surviving Typhoons.

[hurstg01]

Mr_B said:

I've never owned a McLaren ? Selling a Lotus Elise and an E30 M3 still wouldn't get me one though. I think you confuse me with someone else. No smug smilie thing needed.

Sorry, confused you with Mr Bridger

[mrmaggit]

hurstg01 said:

Mr_B said:

I've never owned a McLaren ? Selling a Lotus Elise and an E30 M3 still wouldn't get me one though. I think you confuse me with someone else. No smug smilie thing needed.

Sorry, confused you with Mr Bridger

But ir's for England, and the Queen.

Ooops, sorry, wrong Mr Bridges.