DFS.229 'drachen' rocket reconnaissance aircraft

[RAFF-35]

I'm currently scratch building what I think an operational DFS.228 rocket powered reconnaissance aircraft would've looked like and I'm wondering if it should be solely rocket powered and has to piggyback up to launch altitude, or whether it should also be fitted with a jet engine so it is less vulnerable. But this increases weight and drag and also takes up fuel storage space too, so what to do??
Here's a cut away of the DFS.228,



And here's the progress so far...



It's made of the bit from the middle of a receipt reel, half a 1:48 fuel tank and a bit of pipette 

[Captain Canada]

Nice start and excellent use of old 'stuff' lol

[NARSES2]

So the original proposal was to turn the rocket motor on and off again ? So like a pulse jet but with longer pauses between each push ?

As for your question. To my mind it depends on the use to which the aircraft will be put. If short range tactical use then perhaps a jet powered version, no rocket, would be best. If long range strategical then, given the jet technology at the time rocket pulse (carry her to launch altitude) would be better. I have to admit however that I have never considered using a rocket in this way before so may be completely miss-understanding the technology.

[RAFF-35]

So the original proposal was to turn the rocket motor on and off again ? So like a pulse jet but with longer pauses between each push ?

As for your question. To my mind it depends on the use to which the aircraft will be put. If short range strategic use then perhaps a jet powered version, no rocket, would be best. If long range strategical then, given the jet technology at the time rocket pulse (carry her to launch altitude) would be better. I have to admit however that I have never considered using a rocket in this way before so may be completely miss-understanding the technology.

That's the grasp that I've got of it myself too, it will be used as long range, high altitude tactical reconnaissance, if you don't mind me asking, why've you ruled out the hybrid idea? 

[NARSES2]

That's the grasp that I've got of it myself too, it will be used as long range, high altitude tactical reconnaissance, if you don't mind me asking, why've you ruled out the hybrid idea? 

Simply because of the added complexity. Two engines to maintain, two fuel systems to maintain and replenish. Just sounds a little over complicated and prone to screw ups, although it's something you can imagine the German's coming up with in WWII. Not to sure I'd like to be sitting in front of a load of jet fuel that had a pulse engine "exploding" behind it ?

[RAFF-35]

How about a trolly contraption with the wheels, jet engines and fuel.  Take off with the jets, get to altitude, fire up the rock and drop the trolly.  Trolly is recovered by parachute.

Could you provide a sketch of the layout of this trolley at all? 

[RAFF-35]

That's the grasp that I've got of it myself too, it will be used as long range, high altitude tactical reconnaissance, if you don't mind me asking, why've you ruled out the hybrid idea? 

Simply because of the added complexity. Two engines to maintain, two fuel systems to maintain and replenish. Just sounds a little over complicated and prone to screw ups, although it's something you can imagine the German's coming up with in WWII. Not to sure I'd like to be sitting in front of a load of jet fuel that had a pulse engine "exploding" behind it ?

Good point, well made  but I just can't help but think that the people who actually commissioned things like the Me.163 and the natter, don't actually care too much about health and safety  but perhaps some Walter booster rockets should be fitted?

[NARSES2]

Good point, well made  but I just can't help but think that the people who actually commissioned things like the Me.163 and the natter, don't actually care too much about health and safety  but perhaps some Walter booster rockets should be fitted?

Agreed. Also those same people also seemingly had a need to over complicate things ?

[RAFF-35]

So. Rocket boosters boosting the rocket OR Fit it with a jet pack? 

[CSMO]

This is my 1/72 Huma kit built OOB in 2008. Adios, Larry.

[Captain Canada]

Nice one Larry ! Certainly has that 'flying bomb' look to it !

[RAFF-35]

This is my 1/72 Huma kit built OOB in 2008. Adios, Larry.

Oooh nice one, although I'm thinking of doing a different tail and revised nose section on mine 

[RAFF-35]

Progress update: fuselage puttied and sanded, mixed power plant added, wings and tail sculpted and a rough interior cobbled together  after being a bit over enthusiastic with sanding, the wing I originally fabricated looked a bit too stubby for a high altitude aircraft, so the raw styrene is an in progress extension 
A bit more of a back story me thinks... the original 228 project was making strong progress in 1938 and the RLM were actually impressed with the potential performance of the aircraft, development continued until the DFS.229 emerged from a string of prototypes and early production models.... drachens were successfully used during operation Barbarossa and provided intelligence that managed to save a large percentage of German ground forces.... this durastically changed the tide of the war. When fitted with zeiss Jena infrared cameras, the drachens managed to detect discrepancies in the allied forces that were massing across the channel, this was later revealed to be operation fortitude. The deception was uncovered and the Nazis were fully prepared for the invasion attempt.... what happened next is for another build 

[RAFF-35]

Wings are on and a fresh paint job...





Perhaps the nazis saw the untouchable altitude, range and speed and were inspired to start constructing a larger development that could reach America, and then perhaps even to possibly carry bombs?

[TheChronicOne]

Ahhhh yeah!!!   V tail!!    Looks pretty cool.