The Junkers EF 126 was an experimental fighter proposed by the German Miniaturjägerprogramm of 1944–1945, for a cheap and simple fighter powered by a pulsejet engine. No examples were built during the war, but the Soviet Union completed both unpowered and powered prototypes.
| Junkers EF 126 Elli | |
|---|---|
| |
| Junker EF 126 sketch | |
| Role | Fighter |
| Manufacturer | Junkers |
| First flight | May 21, 1946 (unpowered prototype) March 16, 1947 (powered prototype) |
| Status | cancelled |
| Number built | 5 |
| Developed into | Junkers EF 127 |
The design of the Ju EF 126 was developed into the Junkers EF 127, a rocket-powered version.
Miniaturjäger
editDuring 1944, the Miniaturjäger programme for the simplest, cheapest fighter possible was launched by the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM), the German Ministry of Aviation. In order to minimise cost and complexity, it was to be powered by a pulse jet, as used by the V-1 flying bomb and its manned version, the Fieseler Fi 103R (Reichenberg).[1] Designs were produced by Heinkel, with a pulse jet powered version of their Heinkel He 162, Blohm & Voss (the P213) and Junkers.[2]
Ef 126
editJunker's design, the EF 126, was of similar layout to the V-1, with the single Argus 109-044, rated at 4.9 kilonewtons (1,100 lbf), mounted above the aft fuselage and fin. The fuselage was of metal construction while the wings were wooden. A retractable nosewheel undercarriage was to be fitted. As the pulse-jet's power would reduce at altitude, the aircraft was intended for low-altitude use, and had a secondary ground attack role. Armament consisted of two 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon while up to 400 kg (880 lb) of bombs could be carried under the wings.[3]
Variants
edit- EF 126 V1
First prototype, towed into the air by a captured Junkers Ju 88G-6 in the post war period. Later, it crashed.
- EF 126 V2
Second prototype, also constructed but never completed.
- EF 126 V3,V5
Complete prototypes with Argus pulse jet.
- EF 126 V4
Completed and tested by the Soviets in 1947, with a running engine.
Specifications (Ju EF 126)
editData from German Aircraft of the Second World War.[3]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 8.46 m (27 ft 9 in)
- Wingspan: 6.65 m (21 ft 10 in)
- Height: 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in)
- Wing area: 8.9 m2 (189 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 1,100 kg (2,420 lb)
- Gross weight: 2,800 kg (6,160 lb)
- Fuel capacity: 1,100kg
- Powerplant: 1 × Argus 109-044 Pulse jet, 4.9 kN (1,100 lbf) thrust
Performance
- Maximum speed: 780 km/h (485 mph, 421 kn)
- Range: 350 km (218 mi, 189 nmi) 60% power
- Endurance: 45 min
- Rate of climb: 8.0 m/s (1,575 ft/min)
- Wing loading: 314 kg/m2 (32.6 lb/sq ft)
- Endurance: 23 mins (100% speed)
Armament
- Guns: 2× 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon
- Bombs: 400 kg (880 lb) external weapons
See also
editRelated development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
edit- Smith, J. R.; Kay, Antony L. (1972). German Aircraft of the Second World War. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-85177-836-4.
- ^ Smith & Kay 1972, p. 614
- ^ Smith & Kay 1972, pp. 615–616
- ^ a b Smith & Kay 1972, pp. 616–617
External links
edit- Junkers EF 126 Image
- German aircraft projects (in German)