Why were V-1 rockets not launched from submarines or airplanes by the Germans, and why were they not built with a guidance system?

 The V-1 rockets, also known as Vergeltungswaffe 1 or “Vengeance Weapon 1,” were a type of unmanned, guided flying bomb developed by Nazi Germany during World War II. They were primarily launched from fixed land-based ramps or aircraft-like structures called “ski sites” and were not launched from submarines or airplanes for several reasons:

Technological limitations: The V-1 rocket was a relatively primitive form of guided missile, powered by a pulsejet engine, and lacked the advanced guidance systems and technology available in modern missiles. The guidance system used in the V-1 was based on a pre-set autopilot that relied on gyroscopes and a mechanical linkage to control the rocket’s flight path. It did not have the capability for real-time guidance or remote control, which made it difficult to launch from mobile platforms like submarines or airplanes.

Size and weight: The V-1 rocket was a large and heavy weapon, weighing around 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) and measuring over 8 meters (26 feet) in length. It would have been challenging to launch and transport such a large and heavy weapon from submarines or airplanes during that era, as it would have required significant modifications to the existing platforms to accommodate the size and weight of the V-1 rocket.

Launch stability: The V-1 rocket required a fixed ramp or ski site for launch, as it had a simple guidance system that relied on the ramp to provide stability during launch. Launching from submarines or airplanes would have required more sophisticated and complex guidance systems to ensure stable and accurate flight, which was beyond the technological capabilities of the time.

Operational considerations: Launching V-1 rockets from submarines or airplanes would have required significant logistical and operational challenges, including the need for specialized equipment, training, and infrastructure. It would have been difficult to implement such capabilities on a large scale during the wartime conditions of World War II.

Despite these limitations, the V-1 rocket was still a devastating weapon for its time, causing significant damage to civilian areas in the United Kingdom during the later stages of World War II. However, the lack of advanced guidance systems and the challenges associated with launching from submarines or airplanes were some of the reasons why the Germans did not pursue these options for the V-1 rocket during World War II.