Arado Ar 234, first flight at Rheine

[dppintr2]

The Arado Ar 234 was the world's first operational jet-powered bomber, built by the German Arado company in the closing stages of World War II.

The aircraft proved so advanced that it was able to evade all available Allied interceptors of the time. It was a very capable reconnaissance and high-speed bombing platform. The Ar 234 became the German Luftwaffe's second jet-powered aircraft to enter service following the more recognizable Me 262. At Mid-June 1944, the Ar 234 V10 prototype was presented at Rechlin. A mock dogfight between the Ar 234 and the Me 262 was organised, during which the Ar 234 showed its superior manoeuvrability.

In late April 1945 the American commander of Strategic Air Forces, General Spaatz, kicked off Operation Lusty to exploit the aeronautical secrets of the Third Reich. Many senior military officers knew that the Germans were far ahead of the United States in numerous fields of military technology. The Americans not only wanted to disarm the Luftwaffe but also to exploit its technological treasures to the fullest.

Four Ar 234 jets, among other captured German aircraft, were taken to Cherbourg. There they were cocooned against the salt air and weather, loaded onto the carrier HMS Reaper and brought to the United States.

Last month we made a trip to Rheine, where the first flight of the Arado 234 in 1943 took place.

Click here for a trip report with pictures

Click here for my previous PoA trip reports

 

[Henning]

Neat.

 

[Anthony]

I have always liked that aircraft, and a lot of other German WWII aircraft, as many were very innovative. Thanks for the report, and history!

 

[Pilawt]

It's a little surprising to see the aircraft on display in Germany with the swastika on the tail. As a historic representation it's probably not in violation of the criminal code, but you won't find it in some other museums in Germany. WW-2 era aircraft in the Deutsches Museum in Munich (and its aviation branch at Flugwerft Schleißheim), for example, are displayed without any symbol on the tail, or, if historically appropriate, are painted in the colors of other nations.

 

[Pilawt]

It is not in Germany. Only one Ar 234 survives today. It is on display in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum near Dulles International Airport :wink2:

Ah, I misunderstood. Thanks for the clarification.

Impressive airplane.

 

[Henning]

It's a little surprising to see the aircraft on display in Germany with the swastika on the tail. As a historic representation it's probably not in violation of the criminal code, but you won't find it in some other museums in Germany. WW-2 era aircraft in the Deutsches Museum in Munich (and its aviation branch at Flugwerft Schleißheim), for example, are displayed without any symbol on the tail, or, if historically appropriate, are painted in the colors of other nations.

Yep, and I challenged them on it telling them it's not a museum's place to deny history, but to rather accurately portray it for all the lessons it has regardless how ugly.

 

[OkieAviator]

It is not in Germany. Only one Ar 234 survives today. It is on display in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum near Dulles International Airport :wink2:

Fantastic museum as well. Have been to it maybe 20 times.

 

[Art VanDelay]

Looks like Dormier might of taken some inspiration from it and put it into their DO-31.

 

[Pilawt]

Looks like Dormier might of taken some inspiration from it and put it into their DO-31.

I see what you mean.

 

[Art VanDelay]

Here we are with the Do 31 at Friedrichshafen. See this movie how it could take-off. Quite different than the Ar 234 :wink2:

Do 31 at the Dornier Museum Friedrichshafen

I love that museum. I also love the piston powered precursor to the V-22 Osprey in there too:

 

[UngaWunga]

Yeah, that's a neat looking jet.

 

[Pilawt]

Thanks for the photos, René. I'd heard that many of the aircraft in the main Deutsches Museum had been moved to Flugwerft Schleißheim because of the years-long renovation project that began last fall at the main campus. When I was there two years ago, the Bf.109, Me.262 and Me.163 were all downtown; now from your photos I see they are at Flugwerft. It seems to make more sense for them to be there.

 

[PilotRPI]

Schleissheim is amazing if you can ever make the trip. The glider club was very friendly and I went up for a ride while there. His was about ten years ago. The collection of aviation engines is great too.