Rheinbote V4 German Missile

The German military faced challenges with the weight of artillery and ammunition, leading to the development of the Rheinbote rocket by Rheinmetall-Borsig in 1943. This four-stage solid-fuel rocket was the only long-range battlefield ballistic missile used during World War II. Measuring 11.4 meters with multiple fins, it utilized a diglycol dinitrate propellant, reaching speeds of 6,800 km/h.

The Rheinbote carried a small 40 kg warhead and had an effective range of 160 km, with testing showing potential up to 220 km. It was launched from a mobile trailer and aimed by adjusting the launch gantry, resulting in limited accuracy. Over 220 units were produced, with more than 200 fired at Antwerp, causing minimal damage.

Although intended for battlefield use, the Rheinbote was repurposed strategically with little success due to its small warhead and poor accuracy. Post-war, the Soviet Union seized the design.