The Rheintochter (Rhine Maiden) R I was an experimental German two-stage anti-aircraft missile tested in the last year of World War II. It was also one of the largest solid-fuel rockets of the war and produced the largest thrust, although for a very short duration. Due to its inadequate altitude ceiling, it was to be supplanted by the R III model, a liquid-fuel missile with two side-mounted solid-fuel boosters, but only six of those were ever launched.
There are fourteen wooden fins included under this number: four nose fins, six medium body fins, four large tail fins. They are part of an incomplete Rheintochter, as the missile lacks a guidance section. The Smithsonian acquired it as part of the massive gift of World War II artifacts from the U.S. Air Force in 1949.
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
Rheinmetall-Borsig
Dimensions
Missile dimensions (assembled): Length: 20.7 ft (6.309 m) total with booster; Diameter maximum: 21.25 inches (54 cm); Fin span maximum: 7.25 ft (2.21 m); Loaded weight: 3,850 lb (1,746 kg); Empty weight.: 1,650 lb (748 kg); Payload: 332 lb (151 kg)
Materials
Plywood, Steel
Inventory Number
A19601997004
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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