Natter

Here are some images plus a composite of Dragon models 1/48 scale Bachem Ba 349 Natter (Viper). If there ever was a prime example of a desperation weapon the Natter was it. Born out of necessity in 1944 in response to the ever increasing daylight bombing attacks by the U.S. 8th Air Force the disposable mostly wood Natter was designed to intercept enemy bombers quickly and with deadly force firing it's 24 Fohn rockets mounted in the nose of the craft. After which pilot along with engine would bail out for later reuse. There was one major problem though, the Natter was a little too fast. Due to its extreme climb rate pilots would invariably black out. I find it amazing the kind of technological advancements that are developed when desperation is breathing down your neck. Germany at the later end of WWII is a prime example. In fact I believe that the technological and scientific advancements Germany made contributed greatly to the U.S and the U.S.S.Rs to becoming superpowers. The spoils of war.