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
作用
Unmanned Surface-to-Surface Cruise Missile / Terror Weapon
National Origin
纳粹德国
制造商
Gerhard Fieseler Werke
Service Entry
13 June 1944
船员
0 (Unmanned)
Launch Weight
Approx. 2,150–2,250 kg (4,740–4,960 lb)
长度
7.7–8.32 m (25 ft 3 in – 27 ft 3 in)
翼展
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.