This is a fragment of an autopilot used to control the World War II-era flying bomb "V-1," which was launched from ramps in German-controlled territory on the continent of Europe to targets in Belgium and England. A V-1 autopilot used a set of gyroscopes to maintain attitude, data from a magnetic compass to maintain course, and a timer driven by a propeller to determing the point of engine cutoff and dive to the target. This fragment contains parts primarily from the timing mechanism.
Transferred to the Museum from the U.S. War Department Air Services in 1960.
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
INSTRUMENTS-Navigational
Manufacturer
Askania Werke A.G.
Dimensions
3-D (Base): 36.8 × 34.3 × 19.7cm, 3.6kg (1 ft. 2 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 1 1/2 in. × 7 3/4 in., 8lb.)
3-D (Lid): 35.6 × 32.4 × 15.9cm (1 ft. 2 in. × 1 ft. 3/4 in. × 6 1/4 in.)
Materials
Steel
Plastic
Aluminum
Rubber
Paper
Inventory Number
A19601990000
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Air Force
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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