1949 Schneider Cup Racer Focke-Wulf SeeFlitzer Marx 1 By Tim Nelson

History

In Bremen, Germany in March 1943, Focke-Wulf initiated a series of design studies for single-seat, jet powered fighters. One promising design, Projekt VII, was given the code name "Flitzer". It mounted wings of moderate sweep, with twin booms and a high mounted tailplane. A single HeS 011A turbojet (3300 lb static thrust) was to be supplemented during takeoff with a small rocket mounted below the jet, but the rocket was later abandoned.

The Flitzer was well advanced in development, including a full-size mock-up and fabrication of some prototype sub-assemblies. The project was cancelled in late 1944 because, although using only a single turbojet, the Flitzer's performance was estimated to be similar to the Me 262 which was already entering service.

Racer Development

Knowing that the 1949 Schneider Trophy Race would be a prestigious venue to promote their "influence" on eastern Europe, the Soviet Union provided substantial financial and technical support to the East German Communist Party effort. The elegant and futuristic appearing Flitzer design of 1944 was resurrected as a platform to showcase the technological prowess of the newly formed Deutsche Democratic Republic (DDR).

For the '49 Schneider racer, dubbed the SeeFlitzer Marx 1, thrust was significantly increased (to 5952 lb static) by the addition of a VK-1 (modified Rolls-Royce Nene) engine, as developed for the MiG-15 fighter. A hull was integrated with the fuselage, and outrigger floats fitted to the wingtips. Forward body strakes were installed to inhibit water spray ingestion into the engine inlets during taxi, takeoff, and landing, which in turn necessitated the addition of fixed horizontal tail fins to (mostly) restore longitudinal stability. Empty weight was approx. 6000 lbs, with significant fuel volume available to store the approx. 1500 lbs of fuel required to run the race distance.

The SeeFlitzer was an unabashed propaganda machine. A German tri-color flag was gaudily emblazoned on the vehicle, which boldly flashed to spectators during hard left turns (Note: the "hammer & compass" symbol was not added to the DDR flag until 1959). Sharp-eyed viewers could make out a heavy handed portrait of Karl Marx on the lower wing. The number 49 was chosen as a fitting race number to commemorate the official establishment of the DDR government just weeks before the 1949 Schneider Trophy Race.

Major Gerhard von Schwerwasser, a test pilot with considerable experience at the Rechlin test center during the war, and a DDR Communist Party loyalist, was assigned as project pilot. It was he who would take the SeeFlitzer to battle over the Firth in October, 1949.

Model Information

The 1949 SeeFlitzer model is based on the Revell-Germany Focke-Wulf Flitzer kit. The main hull comes from an Aeroclub 1/72 scale float set, cut down and faired with the lower fuselage. Outrigger floats are from an old Jo-Han 1/72 A6M2 Zeke/Rufe kit. The forward body strakes and horizontal tail fin additions are from sheet styrene. Main landing gear doors were faired smooth.

Decals were custom made using the SuperCal system for inkjet printers.

See the SeeFlitzer and other 1949 Schneider Trophy Race models at the IPMS/Seattle Spring Show, April 16, 2005 at the Renton Community Center in Renton, WA.