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.

Display Status

This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Rockets & Missiles

Object Details

Date

ca. 1943-1945

Country of Origin

Germany

Type

ARMAMENT-Bombs

Manufacturer

Blohm & Voss

Physical Description

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.

Dimensions

Overall: 11 ft. wide x 20 ft. 4 in. deep, 875 lb. (335.28 x 619.8cm, 396.9kg)

Materials

Body: steel, wood, magnesium, phenolic resin
Wings: steel, cement or plaster on a welded steel core, fabric covering

Alternate Name

Blohm und Voss Bv 246B Hagelkorn

Inventory Number

A19710759000

Credit Line

Transferred from the U.S. Navy, Naval Supply Center, Cheatham Annex, Williamsburg, Va.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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