Some technologies developed in Germany during World War II are still part of our daily lives today. These technologies emerged as a result of innovative solutions forced by war conditions. So what are they?

Jet engine

The jet engine developed by Hans von Ohain was first used in the Heinkel He 178 aircraft in 1939. This technology forms the basis of all commercial airline transportation today. The engines of modern passenger aircraft are advanced versions of these early jet engine principles.

Rocket
The V-2 rockets developed by the team led by Wernher von Braun laid the foundation for modern space exploration. This technology was brought to America after the war and played an important role in the success of the Apollo program. Today’s satellite launch systems carry the legacy of this early rocket technology.

Magnetic tape recording
The magnetic tape technology developed by the AEG company first appeared in 1935 but became widespread during the war years. This technology is considered the ancestor of modern sound and image recording systems. Although it has transformed into digital form today, its basic principle is the same.

Infrared
Infrared vision systems developed by the German army are used in a wide range of areas from security cameras to medical devices today. Night vision devices and thermal cameras are a direct continuation of this technology.

Radar developments
Radar technology improvements developed in Germany are used in many areas from air traffic control to weather forecasting today. Modern radar systems evolved from this basic technology.

Synthetic rubber production
Synthetic rubber technology, developed due to the difficulty of accessing natural rubber resources, is used in countless products from car tires to household goods today. The foundations of the modern synthetic rubber industry were laid during this period.

Methadone
This painkiller, developed as a replacement for morphine, is still used in medicine today. It plays an important role in chronic pain treatment and substance abuse treatment in particular.

Ion exchange technology
The ion exchange method developed for water purification is used in a wide range of areas from drinking water purification to industrial processes today. It is one of the basic technologies of modern water purification systems.

Electronic computer developments
Konrad Zuse’s Z3 computer was one of the pioneers of modern computers. Basic computer principles such as the binary number system and program control were developed during this period.

Fanta
Fanta was developed in Germany due to the difficulty of accessing the materials of the Coca-Cola company. This beverage, consumed worldwide today, was born out of the need created by war conditions.

Most of these technologies were transferred to America and other countries in the post-war period. Scientists and engineers continued their work in different countries. Many of the technologies we use today were built on the foundations laid during that period.

The important point is that these technologies make our lives easier today for completely different purposes and peaceful uses. We live in an age where science and technology are at the service of humanity.