German Explosives
A-9 / A-10 Long Range Missile
Description
The A-9 is similar in appearance and results to the A-4b but is of different internal construction. It was proposed to develop and manufacture the A-9 in place of the A-4; however, this would require much reconversion and the A-4b, which could be put into operation much quicker, was being pushed as a stop-gap. It was to have a Salbei-Visol rocket motor very similar to the missile Wasserfall. It is shot into the air like a V-2 and vent toward the target, but rather than falling, it glides over the target where it goes into a vertical dive. It would travel about 600 km in 17 seconds.
A proposal was made to launch it from a catapult at supersonic speed to increase the range. It was also proposed to install a pressurized cabin and use a human pilot. The pilot would drop the warhead on the target and then return to his base. A retractable landing gear would be used in the landing which, it was felt, could be carried out at a speed as low as 160 km/h.
Although the A-10 was never built, the calculations were completed for this unit which was to be used as an assist take-off motor for the A-9. It supplies a thrust of 200 tons and would be jettisoned after it had served its purpose. When the A-10 is jettisoned, the A-9 would have a velocity of 1,200 meters per second and the A-9 motor would begin to function. The ultimate velocity was expected to be 2,800 meters per second. The A-9/A-10 combination was expected to have a range of 5,000 km.
It was also proposed to use a human pilot in this combination.
Next Time: Rockets (Part 13)
Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters
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