Junkers EF 126

The Junkers EF 126 was an experimental fighter proposed by the German Minaturjägerprogramm of 1944-1945, for a cheap and simple fighter powered by a pulse jet engine. No examples were built during the war, but the Soviet Union completed a single unpowered prototype, which crashed during testing. And one in 1947 with a running engine.

Junkers EF 126 Elli
Junker EF 126 sketch
Role Fighter
Manufacturer Junkers
First flight May 21, 1946 (unpowered prototype)
Status cancelled
Number built 1
Unit cost
30,000 Marks
Developed into Junkers EF 127

The design of the Ju EF 126 was developed into the Junkers EF 127, a rocket-powered version.

Minaturjäger

During 1944, the Minaturjäger programme for the simplest, cheapest fighter possible was launched by the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) or German Air Ministry. In order to minimise cost and complexity, it was to be powered by a pulse jet, as used by the V-1 flying bomb and its manned version, the Fieseler Fi 103R (Reichenberg).[1] Designs were produced by Heinkel, with a pulse jet powered version of their Heinkel He 162, Blohm & Voss (the P.213) and Junkers.[2]

Ef 126

Junker's design, the EF 126, was of similar layout to the V-1, with the single Argus 109-044, rated at 4.9 kilonewtons (1,100 lbf), mounted above the aft fuselage and fin. The fuselage was of metal construction while the wings were wooden. A retractable nosewheel undercarriage was to be fitted. As the pulse-jets power would reduce at altitude, the aircraft was intended for low-altitude use, and had a secondary ground attack role. Armament consisted of two 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon while up to 400 kg (880 lb) of bombs could be carried under the wings.[3]

Variants
EF126 V-1

First prototype, towed into the air by a captured Junkers Ju 88G-6 in the post war period. Later, it crashed.

EF 126V-2

Second prototype, also constructed but never completed.

EF 126V-3/V-5

Complete prototype with Argus pulse jet.

EF 126V-4

Completed and tested by the Russians in 1947, with a running engine.

Specifications (Ju EF 126)

Data from German Aircraft of the Second World War [3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 8.46 m (27 ft 9 in)
  • Wingspan: 6.65 m (21 ft 10 in)
  • Height: 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in)
  • Wing area: 8.9 m2 (189 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 1,100 kg (2,420 lb)
  • Gross weight: 2,800 kg (6,160 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 1100kg
  • Powerplant: 1 × Argus 109-044 Pulse jet, 4.9 kN (1,100 lbf) thrust

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 780 km/h (485 mph, 421 kn)
  • Range: 350 km (218 mi, 189 nmi) 60% power
  • Endurance: 45 min
  • Rate of climb: 8.0 m/s (1,575 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 159 kg/m2 (32.6 lb/sq ft)
  • Endurance: 23 mins (100% speed)

Armament

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See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References
  1. Smith & Kay 1972, p. 614
  2. Smith & Kay 1972, pp. 615–616
  3. Smith & Kay 1972, pp. 616–617
  • Smith, J. R.; Kay, Antony L. (1972). German Aircraft of the Second World War. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-85177-836-4.
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