Argus As 292
| Argus As 292 | |
|---|---|
| Type: | Reconnaissance drone |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
June 9, 1937 |
| Commissioning: |
1942 |
| Production time: |
1939-1943 |
| Number of pieces: |
over 100 |
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The Argus As 292 Fernfeuer was a remote-controlled small aircraft used for reconnaissance purposes and as an aerial target drone.
history
Since the First World War , aerial reconnaissance has been the basis for monitoring enemy activities. Close-up reconnaissance aircraft were mainly used in the front area. In 1937, Dr. Fritz Gosslau at Argus Motoren Gesellschaft in cooperation with C. Lorenz AG and DFS test models for remote-controlled reconnaissance aircraft and target drones. At DFS, the project was called DFS Model 12, at Argus it was named "Fernfeuer" and later As 292. When used as a target drone, the device was listed as "Flak target device 43".
The As 292 consisted of a rod-shaped fuselage to which the tail unit, the wings, a 3 HP engine (70 cm³) and the control device as well as a payload were attached. The energy required to operate the remote control system was generated by a generator flanged to the rear of the engine. While retaining the original basic construction, the hull was later enlarged and more powerful engines with up to 7 HP (140 cm³) installed. This increased the range and payload (2 As 293 cameras).
The first uncontrolled flight took place on June 9, 1937, the first with radio remote control on May 14, 1939. The first aerial photo was taken on October 2, 1939. The delivery took place from 1942 to 1943, over 100 pieces were produced.
As part of the overall “Fernfeuer” project, a “Erfurt” project was proposed in 1939. This involved a drone for dropping mines and torpedoes. The project was discontinued and instead the development of V1 accelerated.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| crew | - |
| length | 2.3 m |
| span | 2.4 m |
| Wing area | 1.2 m² |
| Dimensions | 27 kg |
| Top speed | 100 km / h |
| Engine | Various single cylinder Argus engines 70–140 cm³ with 3–7 HP, some with double propellers |
| payload | 1–2 film cameras |
See also
literature
- "Fernfeuer" reconnaissance device Argus As 292. Luftfahrt international, 16/1976, pp. 2511-2519
Web links
- Bert Hartmann: Reconnaissance device Fernfeuer Argus As 292. In: luftarchiv.de. Retrieved December 5, 2009 (with pictures).