Natter Ba 349A M23: The First Manned Vertical-Takeoff Rocket Flight
On March 1, 1945, aviation history witnessed a daring milestone at the Truppenübungsplatz Heuberg. A test pilot named Sieber entered the Natter Ba 349A M23, a rocket-powered aircraft designed for vertical ascent, marking the world's first manned vertical-takeoff rocket flight. While the mission aimed to prove the viability of the design, the flight ended in a catastrophic failure that provided critical insights into the dangers of early rocket aviation.
Key Facts
- Date: March 1, 1945
- Aircraft: Natter Ba 349A M23
- Pilot: Sieber
- Maximum Estimated Altitude: 1,500 meters (4,900 feet)
- Flight Duration: Approximately 32 seconds
- Primary Propulsion: Walter engine and Schmidding solid fuel boosters
The Flight Sequence
The flight began with a vertical ascent. However, the stability of the aircraft was compromised early on. At an altitude between 100 and 150 meters (330 to 490 feet), the Natter suddenly pitched up, creating an inverted curve approximately 30° from the vertical axis. The pilot had been instructed to execute a half roll should the aircraft veer off course, but the flight quickly deteriorated.
As the aircraft reached 500 meters (1,600 feet), the solid fuel rocket boosters—designed to provide the initial thrust for takeoff—were released. At this moment, observers noted that the cockpit canopy flew off the aircraft. Despite this, the Natter continued to climb at high speed, maintaining an angle of 15° from the horizontal until it disappeared into the cloud cover.
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Engine Failure and Impact
The propulsion system failed shortly after the ascent. The Walter engine (the aircraft's primary liquid-fuel rocket engine) stalled approximately 15 seconds after takeoff. It is estimated that the aircraft reached a peak altitude of 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) before entering a steep nose-dive. Roughly 32 seconds after launch, the Natter struck the ground with immense force several kilometers away from the launch site.
Decades later, in 1998, investigators discovered the remains of one of the Schmidding boosters at the crash site, revealing that it had failed to jettison during the flight.
Analysis of the Crash
Post-flight analysis suggests that the pilot, Sieber, was likely unconscious long before the aircraft hit the ground. Erich Bachem, the designer, surmised that the 3 G acceleration (three times the force of gravity) may have caused the pilot to involuntarily pull back on the control column.
The loss of the canopy played a pivotal role in the tragedy. Examination of the recovered canopy showed a bent latch tip, indicating it may not have been fully closed before launch. Because the pilot's headrest was attached to the underside of the canopy, its sudden detachment would have caused the pilot's head to snap back approximately 25 cm (9.8 in). This impact against the solid wooden rear upper cockpit bulkhead likely either broke Sieber's neck or knocked him unconscious immediately.
| Flight Phase | Altitude/Time | Event/Observation |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Ascent | 100–150 m | Pitched up into 30° inverted curve |
| Booster Release | 500 m | Cockpit canopy detached |
| Engine Stall | ~15 seconds | Walter engine ceased operation |
| Peak Altitude | 1,500 m | Aircraft began nose-dive |
| Impact | ~32 seconds | Crashed several kilometers from launch site |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Natter Ba 349A M23?
The Natter Ba 349A M23 was an early rocket-powered aircraft designed for vertical takeoff, intended to serve as a high-speed interceptor.
Why did the cockpit canopy fly off?
Evidence from the recovered canopy showed a bent latch tip, suggesting the canopy was not fully closed and secured before the launch.
What caused the pilot to lose consciousness?
It is believed that when the canopy detached, the attached headrest pulled the pilot's head back 25 cm, causing it to strike the wooden cockpit bulkhead.
Did all the rocket boosters detach correctly?
No. While most were released at 500 meters, remains of one Schmidding booster were found at the crash site in 1998, proving it failed to jettison.
How long did the entire flight last?
The flight lasted approximately 32 seconds from the moment of takeoff to the final impact with the ground.