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V-2 Rocket Assembling and Launching (1947)

1947 · Short film · 19 min

  • War
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Synopsis

This War Department bulletin from 1947 shows captured German V-2 Rockets being tested at White Sands, New Mexico. German scientist Wernher von Braun designed and helped develop this "vengeance" weapon at Peenemunde during WWII. This was the first long-range ballistic guided missile. The film opens with images of the V-2 rocket at White Sands Proving Ground in New Mexico (:46). The V-2 is assembled from German parts (2:31). The alcohol tank is lowered (2:52) and supply lines are connected which will deliver the alcohol to the motor (3:05). The oxygen tank is lowered into position (3:13). The center section has its skins attached (3:18). Metal bulk heads are installed (3:37). The combustion chamber is comprised of welded pressed steel (3:59). Fuel tanks (4:05) and propulsion units are then viewed (4:29). Within the tail housing, the rudder mechanism is installed (4:46). Radio antennas are set into place (5:48). After completion, the missile is weighed (6:30) and sent to the firing range (7:27). The launching platform is moved into position by the ground crews (8:21). The V-2 is erected onto its platform (9:39) as cables are attached to the rocket (9:52). A specially design gantry crane was developed specifically for this missile (10:44). Grain alcohol is loaded into the upper tank (11:18). Liquid oxygen is added to the lower tank (11:44). The pyrotechnic device is installed (12:18). Technicians who are to launch the rocket meet with the Chief Proof Officer (12:29). Final wind…

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Details

Running time
19 minutes
Collection
Ephemeral Films

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