The BV 246 Hagelkorn (Hailstone) was a German air-to-surface glide bomb, using guidance systems developed for other missile and guided-bomb projects. It was to be released by a carrier aircraft (among the possibilities were the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, the Heinkel He 111, or the Junkers Ju 188), at a safe range, whereupon it would glide to its target. Stability was attained by gyroscopic autopilot, while in some versions guidance was to be by a radio beam transmitted from the parent aircraft or by a RF homing device in the nose. The high aspect ratio of the wings provided a very large 1:25 gliding angle which permitted a missile release as far as 210 km (130 miles) from the target, with a release altitude of 35,000 ft.
The Smithsonian's Hagelkorn was a gift of the U.S. Naval Supply Center, Cheatham Annex, Williamsburg, Virginia.
This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
ca. 1943-1945
Germany
ARMAMENT-Bombs
Blohm & Voss
Cigar-shaped fuselage tapering to a cruciform tail. The tailplane is forward of the fins. High wings in the center of the vehicle. Missing guidance equipment.
Overall: 11 ft. wide x 20 ft. 4 in. deep, 875 lb. (335.28 x 619.8cm, 396.9kg)
Body: steel, wood, magnesium, phenolic resin
Wings: steel, cement or plaster on a welded steel core, fabric covering
Blohm und Voss Bv 246B Hagelkorn
A19710759000
Transferred from the U.S. Navy, Naval Supply Center, Cheatham Annex, Williamsburg, Va.
National Air and Space Museum
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