Hermes-A1 rocket

History:

Hermes-A1 rocket

Hermes-A1 No.1

Hermes-A1 launch

Comparation Hermes-A1, A-3A and A-3B

• Initially the Hermes A1 was to be an anti-aircraft missile in 1946 but the scope of the entire Hermes Project changed in 1947 and the missile was limited to surface-to-surface testing.
• Six A1 test vehicles were approved for guidance and control tests against surface targets. One of these vehicles was damaged beyond repair in a static firing. The other five were fired between May 19, 1950 and April 26, 1951.
• The missile was 25.5 feet long and 34 inches in diameter. Its control and stabilizing surfaces were four fixed wings and four controlled fins. Its liquid propellant power plant generated a thrust of 16,000 pounds to give the missile a max velocity of 1,800 miles per hour.
• The Army Hermes A-1 test rocket was fired from WSPG and assisted American engineers to understand and improve on the technology of the V-2. Lessons learned on the Hermes were applied to the Navaho, Atlas, and Redstone missile projects.
• Discontinuation of the Hermes A1 as a tactical missile was ordered on May 18, 1950, the day before the first firing at White Sands.

Technical Data:

Launch List: