[Part of FranzPeterSiegfried’s WWII Alternate History universe]

A small, radio controlled UAV, meant to be deployed from and defend bombers from incoming interceptors. Reupload due to a very special part I forgot to fix.(Thanks to Jolyloly for pointing that out!) Anyone can use this on their bombers, just be sure to credit me!

Anyone else hearing electronic screeching over the radio? I’m getting a bit scared.

American fighter crew intercepting German bombers, 1943

Backstory:

Aircraft:

In 1942-43, Germany was starting to get concerned at the rate of their Argus bombers being downed, and High Command was willing to experiment with new forms of fighters to support them. Long Range Fighters did exist, but it seems like they were lacking in protecting the group near the end of the mission. So, to deal with that, Ruhrstahl - who worked on the radio controlled Fritz X bomb - came to the Luftwaffe office to work with Till - a highly-skilled engineer who formerly worked for Focke Wulf - to work on a new form of fighter: the Radio-Controlled Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (RC-UAV). Testing began shortly after, and with the hard work and determination from Till, the prototype only took a few days to make and complete. Testing began in early 1943, and soon, Kriegsnebeln were put onto Argus and captured Kirov bombers. Later, it was discovered that it could also serve as a mobile RADAR jammer, increasing its effectiveness by a substantial amount (however it could only do this for short intervals due to the potential risk of frying the wiring). When active, the Rs-290 produces a high pitched electronic shrieking over the radio, scaring and confusing enemy pilots, it essentially becoming the new Jericho’s Trumpet for fighter jets.

Operations:

The Rs-290 has a very simple operations apparatus, consisting of 1 stations per drone (typically 3 on the carrier aircraft), with a pilot for each UAV. The pilots in their stations would be sat at those stations at all times. When attack began, they would stare at miniaturized TV screens, receiving signals from the drone, and run through detachment sequences. Operations would be short, due to the Rs-290s range, though not short enough to lack in cover. Once fighting ended, the pilots would maneuver their UAVs to their allocated pylons, and reattach the UAVs to the mothership. Operation would then proceed as normal, and the UAVs would be filled with fuel from the Argus (fuel could be pumped back out if the aircraft needed it). During landing, the UAVs would either be attached to the mothership, or be sent to land on their own if the mothership was damaged. The planes would then be rearmed and repaired.

Grouping:
1 - Missile Arming
2 - Turbochargers
VTOL UP - Flaps

Armament:
2x Guardian SSAAMs (1943)
5x 1,3cm MG 131

Size comparison of the Argus and the Kriegsnebel

A Ju-690C Argus “Nebelträger” carrying 3 Kriegsnebels into battle. The maximum theoretical load is 4, but spacing could only provide 3 spots for the RC-UAVs.

Notes of the Aircraft:
It’s not my most nimble craft, but with it being so small, that doesn’t matter too much. For it being such a small drone, it’s combat effectiveness is superb.

Can YOU find the Easter egg?
[HINT:] IT IS ON THIS POST, NOT THE PLANE