Argus Fernfeuer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Argus Fernfeuer (Long-Range Fire) concept was proposed in 1939 as a UAV for mine-laying. Later roles were planned for bombing, the dropping of torpedoes and long-range reconnaissance. Development was halted in 1941 but the project, also known as Erfurt, evolved into the V1.
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[edit] Origin
Argus Motoren GmbH, Berlin-Reinickendorf.
[edit] Type
UAV (mine-laying, medium bomber, torpedo bomber, long-range reconnaissance).
[edit] Engine
465hp Argus As 410.
[edit] Dimensions
Span (estimated) 10m (32.81ft); length (estimated) 9.5m (31.17ft); height (estimated) 1m (3.28ft).
[edit] Weight
Loaded 3000kg (6,614lb).
[edit] Performance
Maximum speed 450km/h (280mph) ; service ceiling 5000m (16,405ft); maximum range 1000km (621miles).
[edit] Armament
Internal explosive charge 1000kg (2,205lb).
[edit] History
Design concept October, 1939; presentation to Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) November 9, 1939; development abandoned January 1941.
[edit] Development
Arising from the Argus As 292 project, the Argus Fernfeuer was also designed by Dr. Ing. Fritz Gosslau. During the testing of the small As 292 drone, Gosslau proposed an aircraft-sized UAV capable of delivering a one tonne drop charge over long distances. Control was either by line-of-sight radio control or by radio beam direction. A manned aircraft, flying clear of local defences, would signal the UAV to release the drop-load. The Fernefeuer aircraft would then return to base.
Guidance expertise would have been from C. Lorenz; airframe advice and construction by Arado. A manned variant, intended as a command aircraft, was also included in the proposal.
Despite initial interest in the Fernfeuer concept, the RLM informed Gosslau and the Argus company that the project was to be shelved.
[edit] References
- Holsken, Dieter, V-missiles of the Third Reich the V-1 and V-2 (1994), pp. 46-49, 343. Primary source for much of the information are the personal documents of Fritz Gosslau.
