rides to the rescue.
N.E.W. War - Sky Rocket Youth
The Story
During the first battle of Berlin in '45, the Germans used a small unit of Hitler Youth wearing the first generation of rocket packs to try and change the outcome of the battle.
These rocket packs were limited in flight time and motion. Flight time was about 60 seconds. This allowed the Sky Rocket pilot to lift into the air, about the height of a three-story building, spot a target, fly about 60 feet, then hover over their target allowing them to use their weapon. They would then try to find a safe place to land before the fuel ran out.
The children ranged from 12-18 and were led by an SS officer. All were awarded the Iron Cross first class before making their flight, because most would not return.
These first rockets were hard to maneuver, and the limited flight time hindered them.
Many were rigged in the field with various weapons. The most common was a pouch with grenades that was opened over their target and let drop.
Very few reached their target, as many were quickly shot down as they tried to hover, when they were at their slowest. Others dropped from the sky as they lost power. There are some cases where results were very good and showed that if used correctly, the rocket packs were a potent weapon.
One example of a victory: A young man used a one-shot flame thrower rigged to it. The pilot skillfully maneuvered over a platoon of Russians, sending the fire down upon them. The Russians broke off the attack, and the survivors retreated, allowing a surrounded squad of trapped SS to escape from a pinned-down position in a large crater.
You can find them now in the Victory Store in the N.E.W. War section or in the Newest Products section.