The X-4 is considered by most to be the worlds first practical air to air guided missile. It was developed in 1942-43 at the "Ruhrstahl" firm in Brackwede by Dr. Max Kramer.The missile was to be wire guided to the vicinity of enemy bomber formations, at which point (15 meters) the missile's acoustic proximity fuze would detonate the 20kg. HE warhead.
It is believed that during the last weeks of the war in Europe, several launches, included in the test program, were made against enemy bombers. I have found no documentation to verify this. The X-4 was never delivered to the Luftwaffe. However, had the war with Germany lasted a few more months, the scene pictured above might have been.
RUHRSTAHL-KRAMER X-4
(After restoration)
Rocket side view
The X-4--what everyone should have in their collection.
Rocket nose view
Oncoming view of "Kranich" proximity fuze and warhead.
Warhead Components
Multiple views of warhead, "Kranich" proximity fuze and fuze housing with notations.
German Jets in WWII
This Web Page was my key to German aircraft information on the Internet. From here, I have gone everywhere.
Dan Johnson's Luft'46 Page
This Web Page provides links to a host of interesting Web Sites. Be sure to visit Dan's recent
addition: Ruhrstahl/Kramer X-4 (Missiles).
12 O'clock High!
A truly fine Web Page for Warbirds and Luftwaffe Enthusiasts.
A4/V2 RESOURCE SITE. - THE V2 ROCKET.
This is Tracy Dungan's Unofficial A4/V2 Resource web site. It is devoted to one of the most awesome weapons of WWII - the V2 rocket.
FORGOTTEN BATTLES.
This fine website by Bill Harris brings "Forgotten Battles" into the light and makes them known to today's world.
Information on Arado, Bachem, Blohm Voss, Dornier, Fieseler, Focke Wulf , Gotha, Heinkel, Henschel, Junkers, Messerschmitt, V1, V2, planes of WWII development history, combat service, technical data and photos.
