Raucherzylinder RZ 65
 

Hello,

could somebody say about purpose of this device ?
I saw in book about Bf110-Me210-410 (Mankau) two fotos with this so called Raucherzylinder RZ 65 (smoking cylinder) with Bf110, WrNr 3854 (single tube) and WrNr 2556 (the last aginst ground target multiple tube).

Thanks&Best regards

Re: Raucherzylinder RZ 65
 

"Rauchzylinder" is the cover up name for a(n experimental) rocket projectile, in this case with 65mm diameter. IIRC it was also intended to be used in (a) Me 109 F. I don't recall it ever became fully operational with which type ever.

Re: Raucherzylinder RZ 65
 

Hi,

it is very intresting... Could you say, how could this divice work(see picture) ? It is attached under fuselage and hang orthogonal to the plane axis. I can not understand it.

Best regards

Re: Raucherzylinder RZ 65
 

RZ 65 projectile:
http://www.net.bialystok.pl/~hess/fo...65_foto_01.jpg

Single tube launcher was mounted under Bf 110 fuselage on 90 degrees angle for test purposes. I think it was done to observe launch from rear gunner cockpit:
http://www.net.bialystok.pl/~hess/fo...65_foto_02.jpg

Multi-barell launcher under Bf 110 firing forward:
http://www.net.bialystok.pl/~hess/fo...65_foto_03.jpg

Re: Raucherzylinder RZ 65
 

In "Luftfahrt Handbuch, Bd. 1", there is a chapter on a Me 109 F-2 with (eight) RZ-65. From there is this:

Re: Raucherzylinder RZ 65
 

Here's the website, net_sailor's pictures come from:
http://www.net.bialystok.pl/~hess/r_lpn_rz65.htm
:mad:

The RZ 65 was a unguided spin-stabilized rocket of 73 mm calibre (sic!).
Two launchers were constructed for this rocket - the EG single tube and the TG revolver launcher for 8 projectiles. EGs were tested with numerous a/c including Bf 109, Bf 110, Fw 190, Ju 88A etc. while much more aircraft were planned as their carriers (eg. Me 163B or Ju 88P). It's said that Ju 88s with TG launchers were used in operational tests against railway transport by EKdo 25 in 1943 not achieving much success.
The RZ 65 was replaced by more powerful RZ 73 (also known as the Foehn), which was just longer, with bigger warhead and engine - thus offering greater velocity and range.

Regards

Grzesio