The missile was launched from ground ramps. Once in the air, automatic controls on board the craft took over. The V-1 climbed to a predetermined altitude, followed a compass course, and dove to the ground after a preset distance had been covered.
This mid-wing monoplane was powered by a unique pulsejet engine above the rear portion of the fuselage.
The relatively low speed of the missile made it easy prey for antiaircraft guns or fighters.
The V-1 on exhibit is from the U.S. Air Force, Park Ridge Depot.
German Antiaircraft Missiles
64. Rheintochter R-I (Rhine Maiden).
Rheintochter I
The Rheintochter I (Rhine Maiden) was intended for use against Allied bomber formations late in World War II. The German ground-to-air rocket was fin-stabilized, and controlled by radio. The flight of the two-stage vehicle was controlled by the four movable vanes on the nose of the craft.