Austrian aerospace engineer best known for his contributions to lifting body and ramjet technology (1905-1964). Rare handwritten manuscript, unsigned, 18 pages (numbered 1-19, page 3 missing), 8.25 x 11.5, plus a TLS, signed "Saenger," one page, 5.75 x 8.25, April 11, 1961, in full (translated): "Dear Mr. Heyer, for your collection I'm sending you enclosed some of the requested documents." Saenger's untranslated handwritten manuscript discusses rocket propulsion and includes several mathematical formulas and details about chemicals. In fine condition, with couple paperclip marks to first page. The father of the 'skip-glide' rocket-propelled aircraft, Saenger's autograph is exceedingly scarce—especially in the form of such a lengthy scientific manuscript. Although he would never emigrate to the United States, his idea did inspire the development of the Bell Dyna-Soar/X-20 spaceplane. In the 1950s, Sanger directed a jet propulsion research institute in Stuttgart, and in the early 60s he acted as a consultant for Junkers in designing a ramjet-powered spaceplane, an idea that never left the drawing board. A fantastic piece from one of the most innovative minds in the field of rocket propulsion.
