Post by larryc1 on Apr 14, 2015 16:15:53 GMT
Set the time-slider to 2000.
This former Luftwaffe Flugplatz has quite an interesting history. In the 1930's it became the first Luftwaffe blind flying school. After Allied bombing of test bases such as Peenemunde in 1943, experimental work was withdrawn to such bases as this, further from the invading forces. Here were tested the jet-powered Junkers 287, with its Jumo 004 engines and forward-swept wings! The parts for the legendary Horten H9 flying wing were found here although the war ended before it could fly. Also reputed to have been tested here was Sack's flying saucer (or flying beer-mat) - a pan-cake shaped, conventionally powered single seater.
JG 400 was stationed here in the summer of 1944 in order to provide protection for the Leuna synthetic oil works near Leipzig. Their Me 163 rocket powered Komets managed to destroy approximately nine B-17's for a loss of fourteen of their own. Their first engagements were in July and August of 1944.
The base was taken on April 16, 1945 by U.S. army troops after a short but fierce battle. Captured here were the following aircraft.
Ju 287 2
He 177 14
Me 163 33
Me 110 22
After the war the Russians used this base for fighter-bombers and helicopters. They gave the base up in 1991 and it has been used for general aviation until 2005. (see Google Earth coverage) When I visited the field in the summer of 2006 it was being surveyed and the latest word is that it is to be used for a solar panel energy farm.
GE1116.kmz (3.89 KB)