Did you know the V1 was the world’s first cruise missile? The V-1 flying bomb, also known as the "Buzz Bomb" or "Doodlebug," was a revolutionary weapon used by Nazi Germany during World War II. This pilotless aircraft was propelled by a distinctive pulse jet engine that gave it its infamous nickname. Launched from fixed ramps using a steam-powered catapult, V-1s were primarily aimed at London and other targets in southern England and Belgium. Although its guidance system was rudimentary, relying

V1 FLYING BOMB ON WALTER LAUNCH RAMP Take a look at this original Walter launch ramp for V1 flying bombs located to the south of Calais in Northern France. From this area the V1s - nicknamed Doodlebugs by the British - could easily cross the English Channel and reach London where they would have a devastating effect. The long tube inside the ramp construction is where the piston was located and a device was positioned below the V1’s fuselage which would be fired along the tube at a rapid rate by

How much of a threat was the V1 to Britain during the war? The V-1...

The V1 Flying Bomb, also... - Imperial War Museum London