Introduction
The Second World War is the bloodiest event in human history. During the numerous battles of this war, the latest developments in the field of armaments and ammunition were used. These studies have led to the development of a new, powerful weapon capable of striking targets at long range. One example is the V-2 rocket developed in Nazi Germany in 1942 (Hamilton, 2018). Due to its distance and power, these weapons became a means of intimidating people during the war and desirable for other countries such as the USA and USSR. The V-2 rocket was influential not only in the Second World War but also shaped the concept of the future of the US Army and is the prototype for many modern weapons.
V-2 Rocket Brief History
Despite the negative role that the V-2 rocket played in the war, it is essential to emphasize that this invention is an example of human intelligence and served as an engine for discoveries and developments. As Hamilton (2018) states, “Using a potent mix of ethyl alcohol and liquid oxygen fuel, the V-2 became the first man-made object to reach space” (p. 12). The V-2 was designed by the German engineer Wernher von Braun, whom the Wehrmacht had decided to acquire for war purposes. The V-2 was launched in 1942 and was used in the final phase of the war in 1944 (Hamilton, 2018). After the end of World War II, the development and technology of Nazi Germany related to the missile were acquired by USA and USSR.
V-2 Rocket During the War
At the beginning of the Second World War, the range of weapons for all participating countries was significantly limited. Given the vast geography of the European continent, as well as water objects such as the La Manche channel separating Britain, fighting was a challenge for Nazi Germany. Hitler needed weapons that could hit targets such as London from a distance. Therefore, the situation changed after the invention of the V-2 rocket, a long-range weapon. Notably, the flight time for this rocket to London was only five minutes (Hamilton, 2018). Among the main reasons for using these weapons is the terror of the civilian population. According to Hamilton (2018), “It flew so high and fast that there was no warning and no way to shoot it down” (p. 15). Feeling that the war’s defeat was possible, Hitler and his army began to use such methods to break people’s spirits and hope and demonstrate Nazi Germany’s power.
The Influence of the Rocket on the Outcome of World War II
Notably, although the V-2 missile became the most powerful weapon of World War II, it failed to turn the tide in favor of Nazi Germany. The Allies achieved victory over Hitler on the battlefield, leading to his country’s surrender. However, it is important to stress that the V-2 rocket made a powerful impression on the world community, as it became the first weapon of this type. The devastations left by the missile in London and other English cities were catastrophic. The V-2 rocket’s power allows it to destroy entire city blocks (Morgan, 2020). According to Angelo and Todd (2019), “Fortunately, the V-2 rocket arrived too late to change the outcome of World War II in Europe” (p. 63). Consequently, it is important to emphasize that the Allied forces managed to defeat Nazi Germany before Hitler could develop mass production of V-2 missiles. One possible reason for ending the war as quickly as possible was to prevent mass terror and a turning point in the war using V-2 Missiles by Nazi Germany.
V-2 Rocket in Today’s US Army
After the end of World War II, not only the USSR but also the United States of America tried to acquire various technologies developed in Nazi Germany, including the V-2 Rocket. Countries understood that such weaponry would not only be a reason for non-aggression by other countries but would serve as an impetus for developing the country’s various weapons and defense industries. Consequently, the V-2 Rocket was one of the catalysts for The Cold War between the USA and the USSR (Morgan, 2020). It is important to emphasize that the Americans recruited about 1,500 German specialists who worked on the V-2 Rocket, together with its creator, Wernher von Braun (Morgan, 2020). The Americans had no such technology, and a man like von Braun needed to help them. As a result, the V-2 missile not only influenced today’s US army but significantly developed the technological capabilities of the United States in space technology. This missile became a catalyst for the development of US rockets and missiles. It led to significant investments in the improvement of new missile-related technologies in the modern US army.
Shaping the Air Defense Artillery Branch of the US Army
The V-2 Rocket had a significant, albeit indirect, influence on the formation of the US Army’s modern Air defense artillery branch. As mentioned in previous paragraphs, the Americans have acquired many of the technologies related to this missile and have invested in the invention and production of their rockets. This experience allowed a thorough study of the technology and behavior of this weapon, its trajectory, distance, blast radius, and other aspects of the V-2. The obtained data formed the basis for the creation of an effective system of air defense artillery. A typical example of such a system is the MIM-104 Patriot, a surface-to-air missile system designed in 1969 (David et al., 2023). Such weapons systems are based on a careful study of the systems themselves and the features of a potential target for the downing, a ballistic missile. Therefore, with detailed information about the V-2 Rocket, it is possible to invent the most appropriate air defense that will be able to eliminate such a threat.
In addition, the United States uses V-2 technologies in various applications that provide the necessary data, including for improving the country’s space capabilities. As David et al. (2023) state, “the US Army (USA) and US Navy (USN) conducting similar programs using V-2 rockets or balloon flights” (p. 254). It is noteworthy that the study of space technology also plays a vital role in creating a high-quality and efficient air defense system in the US, particularly the Artillery Branch of the US Army.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to stress that historical experience can form a qualitative foundation for improving the country’s military and defense capabilities. Although the V-2 rocket, created in Germany, is an example of scientific and technological progress, it brought a significant number of casualties during World War II. It became the most potent weapon of the period, and its technology was in demand for decades after the war. Using the V-2 rocket today, the US Army can create efficient systems of air defense and, most importantly, explore other industries critical to human development, such as space exploration.
References
Angelo, J., & Todd, D. (2019). A to z of scientists in space and astronomy, updated edition. Infobase Holdings.
David, J. W., Doarn, C., Polk, J. D., & Scheuring, R. (2023). A history of the NASA operational spaceflight surgeon: 1958 – present. Acta Astronautica, 202, 252-262. Web.
Hamilton, J. (2018). Missiles and spy satellites. ABDO.
Morgan, G. D. (2020). Rocket age: The race to the moon and what it took to get there. Rowman & Littlefield.