Hitler's Jet Plane (14 page)

The He 178.

Test pilot Erich Warsitz made the first flight with the Heinkel rocket aircraft He 176 on 20 June 1939. On 27 August 1939 he piloted the first jet-turbine prototype, the He 178, on its maiden flight. Two German successes on the grandiose scale destined never to be used.

An artist’s impression of the He 178 in flight.

Hauptmann Walter Nowotny.

With sixteen victories, Oberstleutnant Heinz Bär, commander EJG2, was one of the two most successful jet-fighter pilots of the Second World War.

On the runway at Lechfeld, Hauptmann Wolfgang Späte, who test-flew the prototypes for the Reich Air Ministry, speaks to Adolf Galland and Willy Messerschmitt.

General der Jagdflieger Adolf Galland on 22 May 1943 discussing with test pilot Fritz Wendel the qualities of the Me 262 after having flown the aircraft for the first time: ‘It feels as though there’s an angel pushing it.’

Udet (far left) with Goering, Willy Messerschmitt and Rakan Kokothaki evidently in high spirits during an exhibition of the Me 262.

In the presence of Willy Messerschmitt, Goering takes his leave in front of the Messerschmitt AG administration building after a visit.

Pilot Gerd Lindner reporting his immediate findings to Goering after an Me 262 test flight.

Oberleutnant Günther Wegmann at Schwabstadl near Lechfeld in July 1944.

Oberst Edgar Petersen, head of the Luftwaffe Test Centre, Rechlin, in conversation with Adolf Galland.

Major Rudolf Sinner, left hand and face heavily bandaged after being shot down on 4 April 1945, is escorted by Hauptmann Streiber to the aircraft which took him to Salzburg Military Hospital.

Jochen Marseille discussing the Me 262 with test pilot Fritz Wendel while Me 163 pilot, Austrian Joschi Pohs looks on.