30.9.2004
75 years ago: Fritz von Opel was the first to start manned rocket flights

75 years ago, Fritz von Opel initiated the Opel Rocket Program to explore the world of impulse technology. The fearless businessman performed some successful tests with rocket propulsion systems in vehicles, before he tried his first manned rocket flight on September 30, 1929 in Frankfurt.

Starting from the airport in Frankfurt, Fritz von Opel reached in his RAK1 a height of 20 to 30 meters at a distance of approximately two kilometres. He remained about 80 seconds in the air before he had to land due to technical problems with the ignition system. The RAK 1 prototype crashed during the emergency landing but luckily Fritz was not hurt.

This short flight marks a milestone in aviation history. Encouraged by this success his vision was to cross the channel in an airplane, powered by impulse technology. However, the development of further rocket vehicles was stopped the same year. The world economic crisis forced Opel to concentrate on the car business only.

In 1999, Adam Opel AG re-produced the legendary Opel RAK according to the original construction plans. The vehicle is currently on display at Opel Live in Rüsselsheim.