Germany developed the Hs 293 air-launched missile in World War II for use against ships or ground targets. It was basically a glide bomb assisted by a liquid-fuel rocket that fired for 10 seconds. The Hs 293 was carried under the wings or in the bomb bay of an He 111, He 177, Fw 200, or Do 217 aircraft. Its warhead was a modified SC 500 bomb containing Trialene 105 high explosive. A bombardier guided the missile by means of a joy stick and radio control.

Beginning in mid-1943, Hs 293s sank several Allied ships, mostly in the Mediterranean theater. Although Germany developed many experimental versions, only the Hs 293 A-1 was produced in quantity.

Display Status

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

Rockets & Missiles

Object Details

Country of Origin

Germany

Type

CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets

Manufacturer

Henschel Flugzeugwerke

Dimensions

Overall: 10 ft. 4 in. wide x 11 ft. 9 in. deep, 1500 lb. (315 x 358.1cm, 680.4kg)
Other: 11 ft. 9 in. long x 10 ft. 4 in. wing span (358.1 x 315cm)

Materials

Duralumin alloy, steel

Alternate Name

Hs 293 A-1 Missile

Inventory Number

A19840793000

Credit Line

Transferred by the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal School, Indian Head, Maryland

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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