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.
The Hs 293 from which this wing is taken was captured by the U.S. armed forces in 1945. The wing is exhibited in the National Air and Space Museum's "Beyond the Limits" gallery as its airfoil design was optimized through the use of Konrad Zuse's pioneering digital computer. The rest of the missile can be seen at the Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
Germany
Type
CRAFT-Missile & Rocket Parts
Manufacturer
Henschel Flugzeugwerke
Dimensions
Overall: 4 ft. span (121.92cm)
Materials
duraluminum alloy
Inventory Number
A19840793002
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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