About V2 Rocket History
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At V2 Rocket History our aim is to investigate the history and technology of the A4-V2 missile, and share the results in the most accessible and engaging way possible. Our general approach is to highlight the engineering and industrial aspects of the subject.
Thank you very much for all of the information about the rocket that accelerated R&D for space travel. Of course, very tragic that it took war among nations to speed the work.
I am fascinated by the guidance and control systems employed by the earliest V2 rockets, and subsequent rockets – like the Redstone, etc. Before the availability of radar control, and higher technologies, guidance and control was more “practical” engineering – employing the concepts and laws of physics.
The information about how gyroscopes are used for control is great. Thank you for that. Two devices I am trying to learn more about, are the PIGA, and the “tilt program”. I think the V2 used them to establish the flight path, and determine when to cut off the engine – beginning ballistic flight.
I understand how gyro precession is used to measure velocity by integrating the sensed acceleration.
What I don’t understand, is how the PIGA’s torque motor is controlled so that it can turn the wheel that accomplishes the integration. Does the pendulum position sensing switch make and break contact – thereby pulsing the motor? Would the frequency of those pulses be proportional to the acceleration?
Also, documentation I have read talks about a “tilt program” that starts 4 seconds after launch, and gradually alters the pitch of the rocket until it is at approx. 49 degrees. How was that accomplished? Did it rotate a gyroscope with a motor and gears – turning at a specific rate? I enjoyed your video that explained the switch that activated / deactivated when the rocket separated from the launch platform. Great stuff! Thank you!