The Influence of the Von Opel-Valier Experiments Upon German Rocket-Propelled Model Aircraft Development, 1920's-1930's

The following is a brief paper presented at the XXVIIIth International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Congress held in Prague, 25 September - 1 October 1977. Although it is generally assumed that recreational model rocketry, including commercially available kits, evolved during the Space Age, there were some interesting early predecessors, especially in Germany, that apparently arose as a result of the widespread reported rocket car and plane stunts of Fritz von Opel and Max Valier in the late 1920's.