Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

The German R4M unguided air-to-air rocket was developed near the end of World War II and briefly deployed on the Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter. It was designed to replace the increasingly heavy cannons needed to shoot down Anglo-American heavy bombers, as well as larger air-to-air rocket systems that created a lot of drag. The slim profile of the R4M and its folding fins, which sprung out upon leaving the aircraft, greatly reduced aerodynamic drag on the fighter. The warhead contained 520 g (17.6 oz) of Hexogen high explosive, which would likely destroy a bomber with one hit. Each fighter would carry up to 24 rockets, to be fired in four salvos, saturating a box to ensure a hit.

The Smithsonian received this rocket from the Deutsches Museum in 2018.

 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-Missiles & Rockets Manufacturer Unknown
 Physical Description cylindrical rocket, body with 8 folding fins and tapering warhead with fuse, silver color, bare metal; fing retainer for folding fins, bracket for launch rack Dimensions 3-D: 81.9 × 6.3 × 6.3cm, 2kg (2 ft. 8 1/4 in. × 2 1/2 in. × 2 1/2 in., 4.5lb.)
 Materials Steel
Copper Alloy
 Inventory Number A20190327000 Credit Line Gift of the Deutsches Museum von Heisterwerten der Naturwissanschaft und Technik (AdoeR), Munich, Germany Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.