Special Armour – 72028 – Rheinbote “German WWII tactical ground to ground V-4 Rocket with Launcher”

Description:

Unassembled plastic model kit in 1/72 scale of a German WWII Rheinbote rocket.

The Rheinbote (“Rhine Messenger”) was a German long-range artillery rocket developed during World War II as part of Nazi Germany’s efforts to create high-speed, long-distance bombardment weapons. Officially designated “Rh Z.61/9”, it was designed by Rheinmetall-Borsig and was unique among German rockets due to its four-stage solid-fuel propulsion system, making it the first operational multistage rocket in history.

The Rheinbote stood 11.4 meters (37 feet) tall and had a range of up to 220 km (137 miles), far exceeding the capabilities of most artillery at the time. Unlike the V-2 ballistic missile, the Rheinbote was unguided, relying purely on its launch trajectory and staging to reach its target. It carried a relatively small 40 kg (88 lb) warhead, which was considered ineffective compared to the missile’s size and range. The rocket was used in late 1944 and early 1945, primarily against targets in Belgium and the Netherlands, but due to its lack of accuracy and limited explosive payload, it had minimal strategic impact. Despite its shortcomings, the Rheinbote represented an important step in multistage rocket development, influencing later post-war missile technology.

2025 new tool, making the Rheinbote available as plastic injected model in 1/72 scale for first time. Straight kit with only plastic parts, no PE parts.