Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This receiver is an unflown example of part of the V2's on-board guidance system. The A4 (V2) rocket, developed by Germany during the Second World War, is considered to have begun the era of ballisitic missiles used as a weapon. Some versions were controlled by radio signals from the ground during launch, to keep the rocket on course as it ascended through crosswinds. An on-board receiver, such as this one, took these signals, mixed them with information taken from on-board gyroscopes, and directed control signals to the vanes in the rocket exhaust to steer the rocket.

It was donated to the Smithsonian by Helmut Hoelzer, its inventor and one of the German engineers who worked on the V2.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin Germany Type SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Guidance & Control Dimensions 3-D: 13.2 x 7.6 x 29.9cm (5 3/16 x 3 x 11 3/4 in.)
 Materials Case: metal, with electroonic components inside.
 Inventory Number A19870356000 Credit Line Gift Dr. Helmut Hoelzer Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.