The Plane Built To Beat Nazi-Germany (Bugatti 100P)

In this video, we take a look at the so-called "plane built to beat Nazi Germany" – the Bugatti 100P.

This spectacular car was designed by the legendary Bugatti designer, Ettore Bugatti, in 1939. World War 2 was raging and Bugatti knew that the Luftwaffe (Nazi Germany's air force) was formidable. So, he designed the 100P as a race plane – one that could beat the Germans at their own game.

The Bugatti 100P was a spectacular success – it was hypothetically faster than any other plane on the market and it could have broken the speed record if given the chance. Today, the Bugatti 100P is a a relic of the past but a testament to the genius of Ettore Bugatti and Louis De Monge.

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[gideonsgate]

This is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. I love it when something looks like it is going 1000mph while sitting still. I don't think it would have made a very good fighter but it might have made an untouchable reconnaissance plane.

[scottjuhnke]

Might not have ever been a fighter, but, that has to be one of the most beautiful aircraft ever designed.

[weeliano]

One of the most stunning airplane designs I have ever seen and for it to come out during the 1930s is even more astounding. This airplane is a thing of art. Tragic to know that the flying replica killed its pilot.

[JoeEngineer]

Such a gorgeous aircraft. Same engineering and design methodology as the road cars of the time. I remember following its construction on facebook and was so excited to see it fly. So devastating how it ended. Hopefully someone else picks up the development and gets it in the air again.

[HeeHawHighlander]

Very beautiful death trap.
Mid engine, prop shafts on both sides of the pilot, counter rotating props. So many things that could go wrong.
I’ve built and flown four aircraft, two pusher’s and two tractor’s.
I’m now convinced I want my engine leading the way in the event of an accident. Not plowing through my back in the event of a sudden stop.

[rvejguy]

Great video. I corresponded with Scotty several times and he shared some rare original info with me. The replica was an amazing project. Most tragic that Scotty was killed flying his dream. Super nice guy.

As for the original, not nearly enough power, a draggy cooling system and too much wetted area to beat the German records but it was a very inspired design.

[zoktoberfest]

I think the aircraft lent itself to rear prop propulsion. Built with a light weight alloy frame and covered in a polymer/kevlar skin, only one engine would be required. Lots of room in the cockpit and linear drive train, all in the rear.

[randywest]

My DAd was a pilot in WWII . Ive always had an interest in aviation. This has been a great story

[kevinmotter]

That has got to be the most beautiful aircraft ever made. Love the design, if it worked half as good as it looked, it would have been fantastic. I want ONE!

[Watson]

This is the first time I’ve ever heard or seen this beautiful aircraft. I’m sorry that chap was killed, but I’m also glad the Nazi’s didn’t get their hands on it. Such a incredible design. Just think, if they reversed the wing it would have been able to reach unheard of speed for that time. Thank you for sharing. Subscribed.

[beornthebear.]

I think the forward-tilting wings may have made the handling too hot for most people to handle.

[stoopingfalcon]

First time I have ever heard of this aircraft. Such a beautiful design.

[michaelnaisbitt]

To use it as a fighter you would have to use armour plating for pilot and engines plus additional armourment plus to feed two engines bigger fuel tanks needed All this extra weight would have critical effects on its performance when faced with combat against the Bf 109

[jameswilson]

Awesome plane. My Dad flew in the B-17 WWII. I wish he could have been here when I was able to fly in the B-17 Yankee Lady My wife loved it. I have loved planes all my life but only got to fly in helicopter in the Navy. This is strange my Dad's name was Scotty Wilson. He was born in South Dakota. Loved this information. I would love to fly a P51! Take care.
James

[mitchkelleher]

The image of an engine you keep showing in the Type 45 car is only sort of an example of a Bugatti straight-8—it's a U-16, which is basically two vertical I8s on a common crankcase geared together and, in this case, also supercharged.

[edxcal]

Well made video! I've always loved the look of the 100P, even after the crash I wish someone would still build another and see what it was capable of. I don't know how effective of a fighter it would have been, I often question it's center of gravity with forward swept wings and both engines either at the center of gravity or behind it. However, if the performance was even in the ball park of how good they thought it would be, it likely would have been fast and even nimble considering it's small side and fair wing area.

[tomseitz]

I think the balsa wood and design elements if this craft are excellent. Ultimately want to built a Ulta Lite Me262.... ALWAYS loved that jet!

[kevinstrade]

Wow, I am an aviation buff and never heard of this!! It was beautiful and very forward thinking. Wether it would have been a good combat aircraft is another story. When you begin to add armor, guns with ammunition and other combat equipment, it can change flight characteristics. But man, what a beauty!!!

[erichalter]

c'est avec grand plaisir que j'ai regardé votre vidéo sur le 100p de bugatti, votre narration est parfaitement exact et je vous en remercie. je voudrais juste souligner que j'habite a 20km de Molsheim ou Ettore bugatti avait son usine de construction automobile et qui existe toujours. d'autres part, étant un passionné d'aviation et aéromodéliste appartenant au club hispano suiza de Molsheim, l'un de mes collègue a construit le 100p sur une envergure de 1.20m mais pas avec une hélice contrarotative, ceci dit cet appareil vole a merveille et je pense que s'il eu pu être terminer et voler a l'époque, il aurait sans aucun doute battu le record de vitesse. Quand a une version militaire, je ne pense pas que cela aurait pu être viable, trop de contrainte lié a l'armement et surtout de carburant qui aurait augmenté son poids de manière significative, et c'est je pense pour cela que les allemands ne l'ont pas fait.

[stevetournay]

Ironic that the hypothetical 100P fighter variant model is in the collaborationist Vichy markings! Ettore wouldn't have been keen on that...nice looking model though.

BTW Ettore's Italian origins got him in unjustified trouble after the war; he had to fight the French government to get his Molsheim factory back, as he was considered an enemy national! He finally succeeded by 1947...but died within months, at the relatively young age of 66. Pity France thought so little of the man whose racecars covered France in glory so many times before the war.