"Rheintochter" R-3P Surface-to-Air-Missilie

In 1942, the intensification of Allied air raids on German cities and industrial targets inland led the Germans to intensify their development of surface-to-air rockets and missiles.
On September 18, 1942, the Reich Aviation Ministry signed a contract with Rheinmetall to develop a new type of surface-to-air missile.
Dr. Krein should be the main person responsible for this project.
The new rocket was named "Rhine Daughter" and became another fascinating and unique piece of German rocket history.
In 1943, Rheinmetall developed the R-1 and the improved R-2, which were tested several times, but ultimately did not meet military requirements due to the lack of altitude, and the new R-3 was introduced in mid-1944.
It dispensed with the two-stage drive and was to be equipped with a more powerful liquid rocket engine than the R-1/2 and two additional booster rockets that could be launched from the outside.
This structure reduces the external dimensions and weight of the missile and further increases flight speed and range.
Wooden wings reduce the flight weight and at the same time reduce the manufacturing costs of the weapon.
The rocket body contained 160 kg of high explosive.
After firing, the projectile can be radio-controlled by the Rheinland radar system. A
Due to delays in the development of the planned liquid propulsion system, it was eventually replaced by a solid fuel engine.
This version was designated R-3p, and its launcher was still a modified Flak 41 8.8 cm anti-aircraft gun.
In six test firings at the end of 1944, the R-3p reached an altitude of 12,000 meters and a top speed of 1,300 kilometers per hour.
However, these results did not yet meet the military's requirements.
In February 1945 the project was stopped.
Although the Germans planned to launch a new investigation in March, the war was coming to an end, so this ultimately did not take place.

Plastic model kit
 

• Photo-etched parts

Scale 1:35

unbuilt / unpainted