The V-1 rocket (Fi103) was the world's first cruise missile.
The German army concentrated its V-1 rocket launch sites on the French coast towards Great Britain. On June 13, 1944, the German rocket-launching unit V-1 (155th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment) began attacking the British troops. By September 4 of that year, the German Army had fired more than 8,600 V-1 rockets into southeast England, of which about 5,000 were aimed at London, but less than half actually hit London. Furthermore, most missiles inflict minor casualties, and only a few missiles that hit densely populated areas inflict heavy casualties.
By early January 1945 the total number of rockets fired against British targets was around 10,500.
Approximately 175 V-1s were converted for pilot control and were codenamed “Reichenberg.”
This missile is intended to be carried into the air by a Heinkel He111 bomber and then fired from the lower part.
The pilot of the “Reichenberg” jumped out of the rocket with his parachute after pointing the rocket at the target.
However, despite numerous tests and training, the manned V-1 was never used in real combat.
Plastic model kit of the V1 as a version with pilot seat
- including transport trolley
- with photo-etched parts
Scale 1:35
unbuilt / unpainted
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