Launchpad Bachem Ba 349 "Natter" Rocket

This launch pad for the Bachem Ba 349 rocket was built in 1945 and is the only launch pad of this type in Germany, which is accessible by tourists. Its on private property.

The Natter was a rocket-powered manned aircraft designed to intercept bombers. The aircraft took off vertically, eliminating the need for a runway. The flight was largely on autopilot, after which the pilot was tasked with firing at the bomber. The armament consisted of thirty-three 55mm R4M "Orkan" or twenty-three RZ 73 missiles, under a removable nose cone. The fuselage and pilot would land by parachute after the missiles had been fired. In total about thirty Natters have been built. There was one manned test flight in 1945, in which the test pilot was killed.

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Source

• Text: Leon Theelen + Kaj Metz
• Photos: Leon Theelen