1/25 Schwalben Schlepper

Gallery Article by Philip Stelzer

 

 

Much has been researched and written about WWII Germany’s technical advances in aircraft and armor. Some of these were fielded, some would, due to political considerations, or simple lack of resources remain “paper projects”. Not much attention has been paid, however, to so called “support equipment” and the technological leap forward in this area. One such project spawned by the immediate pressing needs of the Luftwaffe was the high speed airfield tractor known as the Schwalben Schlepper.

 

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Late in 1944 the Allies were enjoying a marked superiority in the air over Europe. Even the vaunted ME 262 “Schwalbe” jet fighter was falling prey to marauding American P47 and P51’s. Once it was realized that the 262’s were vulnerable in their landing pattern or on the ground whilst taxiing after a mission, they became the hunted. 

The Kettenkraftrad Tractors that the Lutwaffe had been using for towing aircraft were reliable but slow. It was realized that something was needed in which, upon landing and taxiing to the apron a Schwalbe could be speedily hooked up and pulled to a concealed area in the trees before the maverick Americans came. In December 1944 the Demag firm was directed to design and construct a prototype “high speed airfield tractor”, to be ready for limited production in 90 days! Due to the expediency of the times the requirements were met, and several revolutionary features were incorporated in to the design.

A folding spring loaded and permanently attached tow bar for easy deployment, front wheel drive with a transverse engine for speed and maneuverablilty, and rear cab access for quick single crew man operation, were all hallmarks of this unique vehicle. It was a revolutionary design, with admirable foresight. Alas the end of hostilities were to curtail its series production. The sole prototype was destroyed in a “cornfield joy ride” be mischievous (and believed intoxicated), American soldiers who overran the production facilities.

Philip Stelzer

      

Photos and text © by Philip Stelzer