V-1 flying bomb

V-1 flying bomb
Country	Nazi Germany
Role	Cruise missile
In service	1944–1945
Built	Unknow

The V-1 flying bomb (German: Vergeltungswaffe 1 “Vengeance Weapon 1)—also known to the Allies as the buzz bomb, or doodlebug, and in Germany as Kirschkern (cherry stone) or Maikäfer (maybug), as well as by its official RLM aircraft designation of Fi 103 was an early cruise missile and the only production aircraft to use a pulsejet for power.

Source: V-1 flying bomb on Wikipedia

Fieseler Fi 103 V-1 ‘Buzz Bomb’ Walk Around
Photographer	Michael Benolkin
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	41

Fieseler Fi 103 V-1 01

Fieseler Fi 103 V-1 02

Fieseler Fi 103 V-1 03

Fieseler Fi 103 V-1 04

Fieseler Fi 103 V-1 05

Fieseler Fi 103 V-1 06

Fieseler Fi 103 V-1 07

Fieseler Fi 103 V-1 08

Fieseler Fi 103 V-1 09

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Fieseler Fi 103 V1 Rreichenberg gerat Walk Around
Photographer	Unknow
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	14

Fieseler Fi 103 V1

General Characteristics and Role

The Fieseler Fi 103, better known by the Nazi propaganda name Vergeltungswaffe Eins (“Vengeance Weapon 1”) or V-1, was the world’s first operational cruise missile. Developed by Germany during World War II, it was a pilotless aircraft powered by a simple pulsejet engine, which produced a distinctive loud, sputtering sound that earned it the nickname “Buzz Bomb” or “Doodlebug” from the British. The V-1’s primary purpose was to be launched against large target areas, particularly London and later Antwerp, as a terror weapon in response to Allied bombing raids on Germany. Though highly inaccurate, its deployment marked a significant step in missile technology.

Property	Typical Value
Role	Unmanned Surface-to-Surface Cruise Missile / Terror Weapon
National Origin	Nazi Germany
Manufacturer	Gerhard Fieseler Werke
Service Entry	13 June 1944
Crew	0 (Unmanned)
Launch Weight	Approx. 2,150–2,250 kg (4,740–4,960 lb)
Length	7.7–8.32 m (25 ft 3 in – 27 ft 3 in)
Wingspan	5.37 m (17 ft 7 in)
Production Total	Approx. 30,000 built

Powerplant and Performance

Engine: One Argus As 109-014 Pulsejet impulse duct engine.
Thrust: Approx. 300 kgf (660 lbf).
Fuel: Gasoline (propelled by compressed air rather than a fuel pump).
Maximum Speed: 640–650 km/h (400–405 mph).
- Note: This relatively low speed allowed it to be intercepted by fast fighter aircraft like the Hawker Tempest and Spitfire.
Operational Range: Approx. 240–330 km (150–205 mi).
Service Ceiling: Approx. 600–900 m (2,000–3,000 ft).
Launch Method: Primarily launched from inclined ground-based ramps using a steam catapult (Walter Catapult), or air-launched from Heinkel He 111 bombers.

Guidance and Warhead

Guidance System: Simple gyrocompass-based autopilot (Askania) for directional stability and a pre-set air log/propeller counter.
Targeting Mechanism: Distance was controlled by a small nose-mounted propeller which, after a set number of rotations, would trigger a mechanism to cut the fuel supply and cause the missile to dive onto its target.
Warhead: High-explosive Amatol 39 or Trialen.
Warhead Weight: Approx. 850 kg (1,870 lb).
Inaccuracy: The crude guidance system meant the V-1 was inaccurate, limiting its use to large population centers.
Variant: The Fieseler Fi 103R Reichenberg was a late-war manned version intended for suicide missions, though never operationally deployed.