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X-4 Missile and More

The X-4 is considered by most to be the worlds first practical air to air guided missile. It was developed in 1942-43 at the "Ruhrstahl" firm in Brackwede by Dr. Max Kramer.The missile was to be wire guided to the vicinity of enemy bomber formations, at which point (15 meters) the missile's acoustic proximity fuze would detonate the 20kg. HE warhead.

It is believed that during the last weeks of the war in Europe, several launches, included in the test program, were made against enemy bombers. I have found no documentation to verify this. The X-4 was never delivered to the Luftwaffe. However, had the war with Germany lasted a few more months, the scene pictured above might have been.

RUHRSTAHL-KRAMER X-4

(After restoration)

• Rocket side view
  The X-4--what everyone should have in their collection.
• Rocket nose view
  Oncoming view of "Kranich" proximity fuze and warhead.
• Warhead Components
  Multiple views of warhead, "Kranich" proximity fuze and fuze housing with notations.
• X-ray of "Kranich" acoustic proximity fuze
  Fuze appears to be a mock-up for use while flight testing the X-4.
• Fuel tank view
  Cut-away portion of spiral fuel tank.
• Rocket Body end view
  End view showing internal component positioning before disassembly.
• Fuel Tank Components
  Multiple views of fuel system with notations.
• Fuel Ejection Piston
  Side view of Fuel Ejection Piston used to ensure even fuel consumption.
• Air Bottles
  View of Air Bottles, EED/Detonator/Cutter, and Air Bottle Charging Valves.
• Rocket motor view
  Nozzle-end view of Bi-fuel liquid propellant motor-BMW 109.548-JGZ.
• Rocket motor view
  Forward-end view of BMW.109.548-JGZ showing fuel line screens and motor-mounts
• Missile body markings
  Markings are located on rear edge of body at the 9 & 12 o'clock positions.

OP1666

• U.S. Ordnance Publication OP1666
  A very detailed operational description of the X-4 missile.

My Hobbies

• Collecting Historical Military Documents and Artifacts

• Collecting Antique Firearms

• Collecting Engraved Powder Horns

My Favorite Web Sites

• German Jets in WWII
  This Web Page was my key to German aircraft information on the Internet. From here, I have gone everywhere.

• 
  Dan Johnson's Luft'46 Page
  This Web Page provides links to a host of interesting Web Sites. Be sure to visit Dan's recent addition: Ruhrstahl/Kramer X-4 (Missiles).
• 
  12 O'clock High!
  A truly fine Web Page for Warbirds and Luftwaffe Enthusiasts.
• 
  A4/V2 RESOURCE SITE. - THE V2 ROCKET.
  This is Tracy Dungan's Unofficial A4/V2 Resource web site. It is devoted to one of the most awesome weapons of WWII - the V2 rocket.

Raymond R. Corridon
E-Mail Address rayeso@aol.com

Copyright © 1997-2011, Raymond R. Corridon
Revised -- 01.06.2011

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Visitors since 4 NOVEMBER 1997

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