FZG 76

In the autumn of 1936, the Argus engine company, began work on the further development of remote controlled aircraft for anti aircraft target practice the FZG 46 (Flak-Ziel-Gerät 46 = anti-aircraft targeting device 46). On 9 November 1939, Argus engine company came up with a proposal for a remote controlled aircraft carrying a payload of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) over a distance of 500 km (310 mi) was forwarded to the RLM (German Air Ministry). In April 1940, presented an improved study of Project "Fernfeuer" to the RLM, as Project P 35 "Erfurt". In 1942 the Fiesler aircraft company took up the production under the name "Fi 103" the RLM gave the Fi 103 production a high priority and development was undertaken at the Luftwaffe test centre at Karlshagen. The V-1 was designed under the codename Kirschkern (cherry stone) The FZG 76 (Fi 103) was an completely new weapon design an early pulse-jet-powered example of what would later be called a cruise missile. In total, 2,448 V-1s being launched and the V-1 attacks caused 22,892 casualties (almost entirely civilians). This German training film labeled as "TOP SECRET" from the E.d.L (Erprobungsstelle der Luftwaffe = Test Center of the Air Force) Karlshagen describes in detail the technique and handling of this completely new weapon system.