The mistel was a fascinating weapon, with its big weapons payload. Its only drawback was its speed, which made it highly susceptible to enemy interceptions. Arado had a suggestion. He already had a jet, which was much more capable than the Ju-88, the Ar-234. He even built a model of the Ar-234, known as the Ar E777, which was unmanned, to hold a bomb in the cockpit, while also being able to supply power and control in flight. This unmanned jet was capable of carrying 2000k (4400lb) of explosive.
There was also a plan to launch the Ae377 with a small Heinkel 162 single engine jet, as the tow vehicle, to further increase the mistel’s speed.
Another interesting project of Arado’s involving the Ar 234 as mistel, was a concept for Adrado’s Ar 234 jet to carry a Fielseler F-103, which was a manned version of a V-1 missile. This concept was test utilizing the unmanned and unarmed v-1, but after four tries, it ultimately resulted in failure.
Arado also had an idea for the use of a rocket powered parasite glider, the Ar E381, underneath an Ar-234. The pilot of the Ar-E381 would fly in prone position, with the Walther rocket engine from the Ba-349 or Me-163 powering him. Due to the Ar E381’s small size, it was only armed with on 30mm Mk 108 cannon and 45 rounds of ammunition, making the craft only suitable for 2 attacking fly-bys.
There was other jet version of the mistel that were conceived as well, such as using a Me- 262 jet fighter on top of a Ju 287jetwmber, or a He 162 jet fighter mounted on the Arado Ae-377 flying bomb.
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