The V-1 (Vergeltungswaffe Eins, or Vengeance Weapon One), was the world's first operational cruise missile. This name was given to it by Josef Goebbels' Propaganda Ministry, but the original Air Ministry designation was Fi 103, after its airframe designer, the Fieseler company. Powered by a simple but noisy pulsejet, thousands were launched on British and continental European targets from June 1944 to March 1945.

This artifact is a reproduction of the intake to the pulse-jet motor, very likely made for display at an airbase in the U.S. after the war. It was removed during the restoration of a V-1 for the National Air and Space Museum and replaced with a more accurate replica. The donor of this artifact is unknown, but was likely the U.S. Air Force.

Display Status

This object is on display in Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar

Object Details

Country of Origin

Germany

Type

CRAFT-Missile & Rocket Parts

Designer

Gerhard Fieseler Werke GmbH

Dimensions

3-D: 27.9 × 55.2cm (11 in. × 1 ft. 9 3/4 in.)

Materials

Wood
Adhesives
Paint
Non-Magnetic White Metal

Inventory Number

A19720633001

Credit Line

Found In Collection. Donor unknown at this time. Found on NASM premises.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

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