Germany - A4 / V-2 Programme (1936-1945): Books

Germany's V-2 Rocket

Looks at one of the major technological advances of the Second World War, the V-2 ballistic missile. Although dwarfed by today's giant rockets, the V-2 represented a quantum leap beyond anything previously built. During the last six months of the war in Europe, Germany launched thousands of these missiles against the Allies.

This book traces the origins and development of the V-2, from groups of individual experimenters in the 1930s to its use as a weapon system. Particular emphasis is paid to such topics as the structure and components of the missile, its ground support equipment, and field procedures.
After the war, the V-2 formed the foundation for the space programs of the Soviet Union and United States. Information is included on previously ignored V-2 launches in the United States.

Information

V-2 Ballistic Missile 1942-52 (Osprey)

The German A-4 ballistic missile, better known by its propaganda name of V-2, was the world's first successful ballistic missile, breaking through the atmosphere to reach its target quicker. It was a forerunner of Cold War ballistic missiles and its combat use in 1944-45 set the pattern for the use of Scud ballistic missiles in recent decades. The V-2 offensive lasted from September 1944 until March 1945 with over 3,000 rockets being launched.

This book examines the combat record of the V-2 in World War II, with a special focus on how a German missile battalion actually prepared and fired its missiles.

Contents: Introduction - Design and Development - Operation History - Variants - Colour plate commentary.

Information

Die V2 - Entwicklung, Technik, Einsatz

In 1942, the world's first functional large rocket with liquid propulsion flew. It was technically revolutionary in every respect. With its construction, Dr. Wernher von Braun's team laid the foundation for the entire rocket development. Ultimately, this led to the successful American moon landing in 1969.

This documentary, equipped with rare images and outstanding graphics, describes in unprecedented depth the development and also the devastating war use of the world's first large rocket, known as the V2 ("Vergeltungswaffe 2").

Information

Deutsche Raketen und Lenkwaffen - bis 1945 (Typenkompass)

Until the end of the Second World War, Germany was far ahead in the development of missiles and rockets - it was not for nothing that after the capitulation, wagonloads of material were shipped to the USA and the USSR and scientists were more or less voluntarily obliged to work for the victorious powers.
Unprecedented material from Griehl's extensive archive is published for the first time in this book.

Each type is presented with a photo, a historical description and a technical sheet.

Information