The Horten H.IX, RLM designation Ho 229 (or Gotha Go 229 for extensive re-design work done by Gotha to prepare the aircraft for mass production) was a German prototype fighter/bomber initially designed by Reimar and Walter Horten to be built by Gothaer Waggonfabrik. Developed at a late stage of the Second World War, it was the first flying wing to be powered by jet engines.

General characteristics

• Crew: 1

• Length: 7.4 m (24 ft 3 in) chord at centre-line

Ho 229A: 7.47 m (24.5 ft)

• Wingspan: 16.8 m (55 ft 1 in)

Ho 229A: 16.76 m (55.0 ft)

• Height: 1.1 m (3 ft 7 in) cockpit height

Ho 229A: 2.81 m (9 ft 3 in) overall height

• Wing area: 52.8 m2 (568 sq ft)

Ho 229A: 50.2 m2 (540 sq ft)

• Aspect ratio: 7.8

• Airfoil: 13% thickness

• Empty weight: 4,844 kg (10,679 lb)

Ho 229A: 4,600 kg (10,100 lb)

• Max takeoff weight: 6,876 kg (15,159 lb)

Ho 229A: 8,100 kg (17,900 lb)

• Fuel capacity: 1,700 kg (3,700 lb)

• Powerplant: 2 × Junkers Jumo 004B turbojet engine, 8.83 kN (1,990 lbf) thrust each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 960 km/h (600 mph, 520 kn)

Ho 229A: 
950 km/h (590 mph; 510 kn) / M0.77 at sea level;
977 km/h (607 mph; 528 kn) / M0.92 at 12,000 m (39,000 ft)

• Cruise speed: 900 km/h (560 mph, 490 kn)

• Never exceed speed: 1,000 km/h (620 mph, 540 kn)

• Take-off speed: 150 km/h (93 mph; 81 kn)

• Landing speed: 130 km/h (81 mph; 70 kn)

• Range: 1,900 km (1,200 mi, 1,000 nmi) maximum

• Rate of climb: 22 m/s (4,300 ft/min)

• Wing loading: 130 kg/m2 (27 lb/sq ft)

• Thrust/weight: 0.382

Armament

• Guns: Ho 229A: 2x 30 mm (1.181 in) MK 108 cannon