Baade 152: The failed East German jet airliner

The Baade 152 was a planned passenger jet airliner manufactured in East Germany. Designed to carry between 48 and 72 passengers over distances of 1,200 to 1,600 miles, the aircraft was powered by four Pirna 014 turbojet engines.

Despite its first flight on December 4, 1958, the project never entered commercial service. The program faced significant setbacks, including an accident that destroyed the first prototype. A redesigned second prototype completed only two flights before the project was ultimately abandoned.

While contemporary aircraft like the Boeing 707 and the Soviet Tupolev Tu-104 entered service, the Baade 152 became a footnote in aviation history. East Germany’s Interflug eventually utilized Soviet-built aircraft, such as the Ilyushin IL-62, for long-haul services. A fuselage from the aircraft remains available for viewing at Dresden Airport.