Arado Ar 234 Blitz

Arado's Ar.234 has the historical distinction of being the world's first turbojet bomber to enter operational service with any air force. That alone is sufficient to make it a very interesting aircraft but, in addition, it was used to explore a number of advanced concepts. With the company number E.370, it was selected to provide the Luftwaffe with a medium-range turbojet-powered reconnaissance aircraft under the designation Ar.234.

An aerodynamically clean shoulder-wing monoplane, its slender fuselage and thin-section wing made difficult the provision of conventional landing gear, leading to a somewhat startling innovation for an aeroplane intended for operational service. This consisted of a jettisonable take-off trolley. Landing was to be accomplished on a centrally mounted main skid, with outrigger skids mounted beneath the engine nacelles.

The first prototype Ar.234 flew on 15 June 1943 powered by two Junkers Jumo 004A turbojets. It was followed by other prototypes introducing such advanced features as a pressurised cockpit for the pilot and RATO units to reduce take-off run. The Ar.234B, which went into production in mid-1944 and then entered service, had narrow-track (but otherwise conventional) retractable tricycle-type landing gear.

Initial operations in the autumn of 1944 were concerned with reconnaissance over Britain, the Ar.234 having ample speed to elude all attempts at interception by the RAF. Ar.234B-2 bombers were involved during the Ardennes offensive (December 1944/January 1945), but their most vital operation was in opposition to the Allied crossing of the Rhine. For attack missions one 1,000kg bomb could be carried under the fuselage and one 500kg bomb under each jet nacelle, although a total load of 1,000kg was normal.

Arado Ar 234 Blitz on YOUTUBE

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