Rheintochter

History

Rheintochter was ordered in November 1942 by the German army (Wehrmacht). Starting in August 1943, 82 test firings were made. An air-launched version was also designed.

The project was cancelled in February 6, 1945. An example of the missile is on display at the Deutsches Technikmuseum at Berlin.

Variants

The initial R1 variant was powered by a two-stage solid-fuel rocket.

Because this variant lacked the ability to reach high altitudes, the R3 model was developed, which had a liquid fuel engine with solid-fuel boosters.

Characteristics

• Primary Function: surface-to-air missile
• Contractor: Rheinmetall-Borsig
• Power Plant: RI variant was 2-stage solid fuel; RIII was liquid fuel with solid-fuel boosters
• Length: 10.3 m
• Diameter: cm
• Wing Span: 265 cm
• Launch Weight: 1748 kg
• Speed: 485 m/s
• Warhead: 136 kg explosive
• Range: km
• Altitude: R1 8 km
• Fuzes: "Kranich" acoustic proximity fuze
• Guidance system: MCLOS visual guidance. The rocket had flares located on the wingtips to help the operator keep track of it.
• Unit Cost:
• Date Deployed:
• Users: Germany

External links

• Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
• Royal Air Force Museum, Cosford (UK)

See also

• List of World War II guided missiles of Germany