Combinaison Mistel modèle 3D

In 1943 with the tide of war turning against Germany many desperate measures to tried to change the balance. One such desperate measure was the Mistel, (Mistletoe) combination. It was proposed that time expired Ju88 airframes could be converted into pilotless missiles and flown to the target under the control of a pilot in a single seat fighter mounted on struts above the larger aircraft. Initial experiments using a Ju88 A-4 and a Messerschmitt 109F were sufficiently successful for Junkers to be contracted to convert 15 Ju88's to Mistel configuration. The projects codename was Beethoven. The Ju88's cockpit was removed and a hollow charge device of 3,800 lb's with a long stand off fuse was substituted. Operational flying began in mid 1944 when four allied ships were attacked. All four ships were hit but none sunk. The RLM was sufficiently encouraged to order 75 Ju88G nightfighters converted to Mistel configuration with the FW190A or G as the upper component. This was known as Mistel 2. Plans for an attack on the British fleet at Scapa flow by 60 Mistel's was thwarted by bad weather. Sporadic attacks were mode on bridges on the Western and Eastern fronts by Mistel combinations without much being achieved except heavy losses. In practice the Mistel was very slow, ungainly and extremely vulnerable, a more or less complete waste of time and effort.