Manufacturer: Blohm & Voss

Model: Bv P 1001

Name: Donnerkeil

Type: Jet interceptor

Date: 1945

Status: Experimental

Country: Germany

Service: Luftwaffe

Designation: Bv 1001

The Bv 1001 Donnerkeil (literally, "thunderbolt") was a unique project in that it was a mixed-power aircraft; in other words, it was powered by both a prop engine and a jet engine. Jet engines were not yet combat proven, and Blohm und Voss considered that keeping a propeller-driven engine for take off and maneuvers while adding the power a small jet for fast level flight meant taking the best of both worlds.

The Bv 1001 was never completed and therefore not flown. The near-complete fuselage was found by the Allies, and at first the combination of prop and jet puzzled the experts. Since it was painted red, Western specialists dubbed the type the "Blohm und Voss red riddle."

The Bv 1001 is a personal creation inspired by several existing World War II projects by that company.

Wings are direct from a real Blohm und Voss project, the P 212 02 (see below right), although I gave them a little more sweep.

I also used genuine German fonts of the time to give a feel of that era. The whole story is completely fictitious as well, of course...

• Oh !! A very nice plane  (Slerski)
• Nice.....Very nice. (jorel62)
• So beautiful machine! (ysi_maniac)
• Excellent design. Really captures the essence of those late-war BV fighters. (Rekalnus)
• Maybe the prop engine was there just as a precaution for prototype flights, like on the first Me 232. It is credible enough that pointing out its whifness is quite appropriate   (perttime)
• Impressive results! I believe it at first! Constant-chord, swept-wing is a great idea later used in B.A.C. Lightning II. (CUTANGUS)
• Great stuff. Like something out of Blake & Mortimer (if that means anything to you) (Dr-Whom)
• The Donnerkeil is gorgeous!!    (pyro-manic)
• Great profile! Could you tell me which fonts you used for the text in the drawing? (korvo)

Thanks! I didn't really use a font per se, I have made up a bank of titles and headers from old period magazines so that when I need someone with a vintage flair I go there, copy-paste letters and recreate titles from scratch! I even recreate some letters if they are missing...