Opel-RAK


Opel-RAK were a series of rocket vehicles produced by German automobile manufacturer Fritz von Opel, of the Opel car company, in association with others, including Max Valier and Friedrich Wilhelm Sander largely as publicity stunts. The Lippisch Ente a rocket-powered glider was produced on June 11, 1928, piloted by Fritz Stamer at Wasserkuppe, but is not usually considered part of the series.
In 1928, Fritz von Opel tested his Opel-Rak 1, a converted racing car equipped with Sander rockets instead of an internal combustion engine, was the first rocket powered automobile. On May 23, 1928, Opel himself demonstrated the car, Opel Rak II, on the Avus Speedway near Berlin. Opel RAK 3, built in Germany in the 1920s and campaigned by Opel and Max Valier.

Film footage

The 1937 German film Weltraum Schiff I Startet Eine Technische Fantasie has short clips of various RAK vehicles: 11 seconds at 436 feet igniters being wired to the Rak.2 car; 2 seconds at 447 feet Max Valier seated in a RAK.2 car labeled "RÜCKSTOSS VERSUCHS WAGEN"; 2 seconds at 451 feet Fritz von Opel seated in a RAK.2 car; 11 seconds at 460 feet Fritz Von Opel drives the RAK.2 car on 1928 May 23 at the Avus Track in Berlin; 2 seconds at 472 feet Sander-Opel RAK.3 rocket car on 1928 June 23 running on railway tracks; 19 seconds at 475 feet Opel-Sander RAK.1 rocket glider in 1928 September, preparation and launch; 6 seconds at 536 feet Max Valier sitting and talking in a RAK.6 car.