Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Intel Corporation (INTC) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Dave who wrote (147289)	11/9/2001 4:40:15 PM
From: fingolfen	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 186894

I was under the impression the Germans had the very first rocket/jet propulsion type aircraft.... I think he's talking about "missiles" rather than a rocket propelled aircraft. The Soviets also made extensive use of rocket propelled explosives as artillery in World War II, such as the various Katyusha versions. The first production jet was the British Meteor, if memory serves, but its performance and production volumes were vastly overshadowed by the German Me-262. The Meteor was also never deployed outside of Britain. The German 'Komet' rocket powered interceptor was a novel concept, but it's service record was far from exemplary. The fuel mixture was corrosive and unstable. The fuel capacity of the plane was exceptionally limited. While untouchable under full burn in the air, many were picked off as they glided in for a landing (ditto with the Me-262 jet). In terms of ballistic missile technology, the Germans ended up far ahead of everyone else. The U.S. had forward bases in Europe and therefore could target the U.S.S.R. with short to medium range missiles. The U.S.S.R. had no forward bases from which to target major U.S. population centers, and were therefore forced to develop long-range rockets by "necessity." This gave the U.S.S.R. a major leg up in early space exploration. The U.S. won the race to the moon, however, and (unfortunately) major spending for space programs was dramatically curtailed once that milestone had been reached.

To: Dave who wrote (147289)	11/9/2001 4:58:58 PM
From: Windsock	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 186894

Dave - Re:"I was under the impression the Germans had the very first rocket/jet propulsion type aircraft...." They had the first jet fighter aircraft, the Me 262, and the first operational rockets, the V1 and V2. The German rocket scientists were the founding corps for both the US and USSR rocket programs. The lucky German scientists, including Werner Von Braun, surrendered to the Allied forces, the unlucky were captured by the Russians.