Hitler's Stealth Fighter
A Documentary for the National Geographic Channel
At left is Michael Jorgensen, the creative genius behind Hitler's Stealth Fighter. Michael's production company is Myth Merchant Films. Hitler's Stealth Fighter was made in 2008-2009, and aired on NatGeo for many years. Since then, Michael has made the full length version available on YouTube: Hitler's Stealth Fighter
I had the honor and privilege of contributing to the making of this film. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one that I will always remember and for which I will always be grateful. My contributions included:
- Building a static version of my 82" span model for use as a reference for the Northrop Grumman team while they were building the full size model.
- Building a 1/48 Ho XVIII model, which can be seen on Goering's desk in the film.
- Building a full size replica of the Ho 229 cockpit, which was installed in the full size model.
- Detailing and weathering the full size model, including panel lines.
- Very brief (and unrecognizable) appearances as Erwin Ziller, the only man ever to fly the Ho 229. I got this "role" only because the guy who was supposed to play the pilot was late showing up :-)
The Team
At right is the Northrop Grumman team who built the full scale model for the film, with Mike Jorgensen in front. In the background is the completed full-size model. I traveled to El Segundo, CA several times to visit the Northrop Grumman facility where the full size model was being built. This is the same facility where the F-18 Super Hornet was being built at the time. I got to tour the production line for the Super Hornet, by golf cart.
David Myhra, 1939 - 2020
At left is David Myhra, author of many books on German aircraft from WWII, as he appeared in the film. I had the privilege of talking to David at length during the making of Hitler's Stealth Fighter. He was a really great guy. Very patient and quite willing to share his vast knowledge.
Here is David's "author" page on Amazon. I particularly recommend " The Horten Brothers and Their All-Wing Aircraft". A very engaging and readable book. It reads almost like a novel, with great detail about the Horten brothers and the development of their flying wings.
When David passed, he donated his personal library to the San Diego Aerospace Museum, which is where the Ho 229 full-size model resides.
The Cast
Right: That's me in the pilot suit, between the two actors who played Willie and Reimar Horten.
Below: the cast, with Mike Jorgensen and Linda Reynolds, Production Assistant.
Below Right: A still from the film - this is me posing as the pilot of the Ho 229, Erwin Ziller.
These are pictures of the cockpit I made for the full size model.
Erwin Ziller climbs aboard
More pics of me in the pilot suit.
The remaining photos are various production stills. These are what I chose as the best out of hundreds that were taken.
