Bachem Natter on mobile launcher



When the Natter entered service in 1945 it proved to be rather effective against US bombers but the launch sites were very vulnerable to enemy ground attacks. Therefore the Luftwaffe sought to design mobile launch platforms that could be moved frequently and hidden when not in use.



One of the options was to equip Sd.Kfz 7 half-tracks with a short launcher which could be raised, enabling the Natter to be launched and could then quickly be hidden inside a barn or under trees. The launcher was based on a FLAK 80 mount.



Around 120 Sd.Kfz 7s were modified and were very successful until the Natter was withdrawn from service in 1947 and replaced with unmanned Rheintochter R6 missiles.




Models: Airfix Sd.Kfz-7 1/76 & Brengun 1/72 Natter

TomZ

Sweet.    I have a similar project on the long agenda, too, already a 1:72 Brengun Natter stashed away, too, as well as "things" to create a kitbashed (and somewhat bigger than yours) mobile launch platform.

 

The missile with a human targeting system looks large on the halftrack - but the aircraft isn't all that heavy, so it should work. I just worry a bit about the vehicle driver's compartment when the rockets fire 

Really neat looking Tom, I do like the Natter's camouflage 

Quote from: perttime on October 04, 2022, 05:22:13 AMI just worry a bit about the vehicle driver's compartment when the rockets fire 

The driver will surely be LONG gone!

And the whole thing won't be much use afterwards anyway as it'll have been burnt to a crisp. 

Quote from: PR19_Kit on October 04, 2022, 06:42:41 AM

Quote from: perttime on October 04, 2022, 05:22:13 AMI just worry a bit about the vehicle driver's compartment when the rockets fire 

The driver will surely be LONG gone!

And the whole thing won't be much use afterwards anyway as it'll have been burnt to a crisp. 

I had pretty much the same thought.     In some ways it's the same problem as  the Blue Water missile launched from the back of a Bedford truck in the 1950's

      

I've got a similar idea with a armoured cab version I have which mounted the 37mm gun ..similar to a Nebelwerfer
but a bit more powerful with alot more rockets.
I was thinking about the weight of that plane and it's balance hanging off the back of the 8ton...stability might be problematic ..a couple of support legs might be in order and should fix any issues.
Still it's a half track which I still like alot and it's original..very cool 

Quote from: Wardukw-NZ on October 04, 2022, 09:57:22 AMI've got a similar idea with a armoured cab version I have which mounted the 37mm gun ..similar to a Nebelwerfer
but a bit more powerful with alot more rockets.
I was thinking about the weight of that plane and it's balance hanging off the back of the 8ton...stability might be problematic ..a couple of support legs might be in order and should fix any issues.
Still it's a half track which I still like alot and it's original..very cool 

Indeed, looking at the pictures, I am tempted to add some some support legs on the back

TomZ

Yeah Tom that would be a good idea and it will balance out the look of the model too 

Great idea! The Natter looks great... although I would hope it's isn't fueled up as it bounces along a road or a field! T-Stoff and C-Stoff accidents were deadly.

To give any meaningful support, the legs would have to be grounded at least in line with the lower lip of the Natter's exhaust tube or even a bit further back, so quite long..

Surely they'd need to go back only past the Natter's CG in its launch position?

That would be about level with the lower point of the lower fin of the Natter.

Nice job!