[PhilippeDM]

Marcel,

After a quick look through the "V-missiles" book, I found at page 57 next:

"Actual flight tests of the Fi 103 were started in October 28th, 1942, when an airframe without a pulsejet was released from a Focke Wulf 200 pilotrf by Dipl. Ing. Willy Fiedler. The aero-mechanical behaviour of the missile proved to be excellent. The first powered flight of the 27-foot long flying bomb was recorded on December 10th, 1942, with the Fi 103 V7 being air-launched by a Fw 200..." (footnote reveals "Statements Mayer of 20.11.86)
On p 58: "The first ground-launch of the flying bomb took place after dark on December 24, 1942. For reasons unknown, the Fi 103 V12 had been fitted with a dorsal fin at the height of the wing spar" (footnote refers to GD (Grosslau Documents) Wartime film documentary)

The flights were preceded by Argus powered airplanes to prove the pulse reactor concept, and a launch of wingless Fi 103 body with Argus motor, to judge its behaviour in acceleration. This last event is published, together with the confirmation of the first ground launched flight in the book "V1 - Arme du désespoir - Delefosse, Yannick Lela Presse 2011" p33. In the "After the Battle" magazine nr. 6 the same date is reflected as is the lenght of 2.5 km of this first succesful flight. In Monogram Publications Close-Up Nr. 4 "Buzz Bomb" the same date is also accepted.

Let me know if you need more info.