German rocket car, 1928

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German rocket car, 1928

German rocket car. Opel RAK 2 rocket car in 1928. Fritz von Opels first rocket car was the RAK 1, tested on 15 March 1928, reaching a top speed of 75 kilometres per hour. Less than 2 months later, the RAK 2 was reaching speeds of 230 kilometres per hour using 24 solid fuel rockets. Later work involved liquid-fuelled rockets. This early work on rocket cars and aircraft led the development of rockets as weapons in World War II, and then to the rocket-based spaceflight programmes in the USA and USSR

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Media ID 6441863

© DETLEV VAN RAVENSWAAY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

1900s 1928 Crowd D River Development Driving Engineer Engineering German Germany Machine Rocketry Sepia Space Flight Spectator Spectators Test Testing Transportation Vehicle Watching Women Mono Chrome Solid Fuel Test Drive

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a pivotal moment in history - the German rocket car, Opel RAK 2, speeding through the testing grounds in 1928. Fritz von Opel, a visionary engineer, pushed the boundaries of technology with his groundbreaking creation. Just months after unveiling his first rocket car, the RAK 1, he astounded onlookers by achieving mind-boggling speeds of up to 230 kilometers per hour using 24 solid fuel rockets. The image showcases not only the remarkable engineering feat but also highlights the immense curiosity and excitement surrounding this revolutionary development. A diverse crowd gathers to witness this technological marvel in action; men and women alike are captivated by this glimpse into the future of transportation. Little did they know that these early experiments would lay the foundation for significant advancements in rocketry. The knowledge gained from these pioneering endeavors ultimately led to rockets being utilized as weapons during World War II and paved the way for spaceflight programs in both America and Russia. As we gaze upon this sepia-toned snapshot frozen in time, we can't help but appreciate how far we have come since that fateful day in 1928. This photograph serves as a testament to human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit of progress.

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