Użytkownik "B2431" napisał w wiadomości
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I think teuton is trying to impress us with another one of his
country's
"firsts" which, as was typical, never went into production.
Dan, U.S. Air Force, retired
This time he is right. He-176 was world's first aircraft with rocket
engine only[*]. He-176 made its maiden flight on 20 June 1939. The
aircraft was grounded on the next day by RLM order (two times recalled
and issued again). On 27 August 1939 was maiden flight of other 'world's
first' - the world's first jet He-178. Both aircraft were experimental
(you can call them proof-of-concept according to today's jargon) so
weren't intended for production.
[*] First flight with the same rocket engine was made in March/April
1937. Modified He-112 (you can call it testbed for rocket engine) was
used in this experiment. Take-off was made with piston engine and rocket
engine was started in flight. Earlier experiments with rocket fitted
sailplanes were made in Germany in 1928/29.
JasiekS
Warsaw, Poland
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