From ‘Naval Aviation in the First World War, its Impact and Influence’ by R D Layman
Even lesser known were remotely controlled missiles developed by the Siemans Schuckert-Werke GmbH. They were unpowered gliders carrying an explosive warhead or torpedo and controlled electrically through an unreeling wire, rather in the manner of the present American TOW anti-tank missile. Approximately 100 of these, of varying sizes and configurations, were built and tested from January 1915 until the project was abandoned in late 1918. Many successful launches were made from naval airships, and controlled distances of nearly five miles achieved with considerable accuracy. The missiles, however, never became operational.
Does anyone have any more information on these?
By: yellit1 - 2nd March 2009 at 22:42
zeppelin glider bomb
There’s a picture of one in ‘The Zeppelin in Combat’ by Douglas Robinson
By: Distiller - 26th February 2009 at 11:34
Designed to be dropped from Zeppelins. Biplane-wings with a tail, carrying a 45cm torpedo instead of a fuselage. The biplane wings/tail construction were designed to break away upwards when a electromagnetic lock between the lower wings opened on command. Electric bang-bang rudders powered by a windmill. Wire controlled. Flew up to 8km, dropped from 1500m or so. Problem of course was targeting. Started in 1914, first flight in 1915, programme ended December 1918.
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February 25, 2009 at 7:38 pm