This experimental World War II German anti-aircraft missile was designed in 1944 by Dr. Hermann Wurster of Messerschmitt with an aerodynamic shape influenced by the Me 163 rocket fighter. Test models in the E-1 series were launched from Karlshagen/Peenemuende in mid-1944, boosted by four Schmidding 109-553 solid dyglycol rockets. The sustainer engine was a RI 210B Walter motor powered by mixed acid and gasoline, which were fed to the chamber by a hydrogen-peroxide-fueled turbopump. The missile was to be controlled by a ground-operator through a joystick, but the missiles ran badly out of control during the early launches. In all 38 launch attempts were made, but the program was cancelled at the end of January 1945.
These wing fairings covered the joints between the wings and the fuselage on Enzian E1/58.The U.S. Army Air Forces shipped them from Germany in 1946.
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
Designer
Messerschmitt A.G.
Dimensions
Overall: 5.1 × 1.3 × 106cm (2 × 1/2 × 41 3/4 in.)
Materials
Wood
Inventory Number
A19660377018
Credit Line
Donor Unknown
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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