Q&A · 1:12:47-1:14:36

Why a rocket-assisted Go P.60 would not suit a carrier

Combining an early jet flying wing, a rocket engine and carrier operations would multiply unacceptable risks.

Question

Could a rocket-assisted Gotha Go P.60 have made a good carrier aircraft?

Short answer

No. Its propulsion, airframe and handling risks make it a particularly unsuitable carrier concept.

Notes

Early German jet engines could behave dangerously when power changed rapidly, while the proposed Go P.60 flying wing relied on wooden structure. Adding rocket assistance would layer another volatile propulsion system onto those weaknesses. Carrier takeoff and landing leave little room for fire, handling failure or structural damage, so the combination magnifies risk to both the aircraft and the ship. The design concentrates several immature technologies in a failure-intolerant operating environment. A concept that might leave a land runway could still be unacceptable on a carrier deck.