Country of Origin: Germany
Dimensions:
3-D Test: 18.4 x 19.1 x 12.7cm (7 1/4 x 7 1/2 x 5 in.)
Materials:
various metal parts, bearings.
This is a fragment of the guidance system developed by the Germans for the V-2 ballistic missile during World War Two. It contains a gyroscope that could sense the acceleration of the rocket. It integrated that data over time, giving the rocket's velocity. At a predetermined velocity the guidance system sent a signal to cut off the rocket motor, after which the V-2 coasted on a "ballistic" trajectory to its target.
Gift of Richard L. Landis
