Rheintochter

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Rheintochter was a German surface-to-air missile developed during World War II. Its name comes from the mythical Rheintöchter (Rhinemaidens) of Richard Wagner's opera series Der Ring des Nibelungen.

Contents 1 History 2 Variants 3 Characteristics 4 See also

[edit] History

Rheintochter was ordered in November 1942 by the German army. Starting in August 1943, 82 test firings were made. An air-launched version was also designed.

The project was cancelled in February 6, 1945. An example of the missile is on display at the Deutsches Technikmuseum at Berlin.

[edit] Variants

The initial R1 variant was powered by 2 stages solid-fuel rockets.

Because this variant lacked the ability to reach high altitudes, the R3 model was developed, which had a liquid fuel engine with solid-fuel boosters.

[edit] Characteristics

• Primary Function: surface-to-air missile
• Contractor: Rheinmetall-Borsig
• Power Plant: RI variant was 2-stage solid fuel; RIII was liquid fuel with solid-fuel boosters

• Length: 10.3 m
• Diameter: cm
• Wing Span: 265 cm
• Launch Weight: 1748 kg

• Speed: 485 m/s
• Warhead: 136 kg explosive
• Range: km
• Altitude: R1 8 km
• Fuzes: "Kranich" acoustic proximity fuze
• Guidance system: MCLOS visual guidance. The rocket had flares located on the wingtips to help the operator keep track of it.

• Unit Cost:
• Date Deployed:
• Users: Germany

[edit] See also

• List of World War II guided missiles of Germany