Captured V-2 Launch At Sea Aboard USS Midway

Rare archival film dubs show the movement of three captured German V-2s and associated trailers and hardware from White Sands to Virginia for loading aboard USS Midway for the only shipboard launch of a V-2. The end of World War II meant a realignment of world powers, a steep reduction from wartime military budgets, and a new host of weapons and strategies to contend with. The United States Navy and the soon-to-be-independent Air Force each knew that the ability to deliver nuclear weapons would be of key importance in the coming years. The Navy had access to some of the captured German V-2 rockets brought to the United States by the Army. On 6 September 1947, after extensive preparations, the Navy launched a V-2 from the aft portion of the flight deck on the new aircraft carrier USS Midway in Operation Sandy. The Midway was the first American aircraft carrier to feature a steel armored flight deck instead of wood planking, something that was not lost on those who would launch a 46-foot vertical fire-breathing rocket at sea. For the launch of a V-2, the USS Midway had its non-skid deck coating removed in the area of the rocket stand. On the fantail area behind and below the flight deck, welded sheets were added as a precaution against fire. The Navy later tested two V-2s at White Sands on a replica steel carrier deck, toppling them to see the extent of fire damage they could cause in the event of a major launch mishap. It has been said that issues observed with liquid-fueled V-2s influenced the ultimate choice of solid propellant for the Navy’s successful Polaris missile series. By truck and by train, three V-2s and their associated trailers and equipment were moved from New Mexico to the Norfolk Navy Yard at Portsmouth, Virginia. At the destination, sentries guarded the shipment. Modifications were made to USS Midway to facilitate the V-2 launch, while still keeping the aircraft carrier operational for aircraft movements, as part of the demonstration of the envisioned usefulness of the ship for both purposes. Flight operations were intended to commence shortly after launch of the rocket. While three V-2s were loaded aboard USS Midway for Operation Sandy, this may have included one identified in some captions as a dummy rocket for checking out the set-up. Ultimately, only one V-2 was launched from the aircraft carrier on 6 September 1947. Though its flight appeared erratic and the missile broke apart at 12,000 to 15,000 feet in altitude, the Navy quickly launched aircraft from USS Midway and declared the test a success. You’re watching the Airailimages Channel. Thanks for subscribing. And give this video a thumbs up! The USS Midway is a remarkable pier-side museum in San Diego, California, with a varied and well-restored collection of aircraft. We enjoyed our visit there a number of years ago.