Missile, Cruise, V-1, Compressed Air Tank

The V-1 cruise missile contained two compressed-air tanks that held air at 13.8 MPa (2000 psi) to power the control system. Inputs from the rate gyros and magnetic compass were transmitted to Askania-designed pneumatic actuators for the tail surfaces (rudder and elevators) by means of compressed air. When gyros precessed, or the magnetic compass sensed a deviation from the prescribed heading, differential air signals were mixed into the airflow to the actuators, resulting in movement of the control surfaces. The compressed air bottles are wire-wound spheres, presumably to increase strength.

The Smithsonian received this tank as a part of the U.S. Air Force transfer of aircraft, missiles and parts formerly stored at Park Ridge, Illinois, for the National Air Museum.