Argus Fernfeuer

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.

Origin

Argus Motoren GmbH, Berlin-Reinickendorf.

Type

UAV (mine-laying, medium bomber, torpedo bomber, long-range reconnaissance).

Engine

465hp Argus As 410.

Dimensions

Span (estimated) 10m (32.81ft); length (estimated) 9.5m (31.17ft); height (estimated) 1m (3.28ft).

Weight

Loaded 3000kg (6,614lb).

Performance

Maximum speed 450km/h (280mph) ; service ceiling 5000m (16,405ft); maximum range 1000km (621miles).

Armament

Internal explosive charge 1000kg (2,205lb).

History

Design concept October, 1939; presentation to Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) November 9, 1939; development abandoned January 1941.

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.

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.