| astronautix.com | A3 |
Subscale test model of A4 (V-2). Wingspan 0.93 m. The rocket's expected longer range required moving the launch site from Kummersdorf to the island of Greifwalder Oie (within site of the permanent new rocket test facilities being built at Peenemuende). All of the test launches were failures. A total redesign, the A5, was used for subscale development of A4 technology. Propellants Lox/75% alcohol.
Launches: 4. Failures: 4. Success Rate: 0.00% pct. First Launch Date: 04 December 1937. Last Launch Date: 11 December 1937. Liftoff Thrust: 1,500 kgf. Total Mass: 740 kg. Core Diameter: 0.7 m. Total Length: 6.7 m.
Germans tested A-3 rocket with 1,500 kgf thrust which served as basis for military weapon specifications.
First launch of A3 subscale V-2 missile. The new facilites being built at Peenemuende were not ready, so the A3 launches were made from the ofshore island of Greifswalder Oie. The parachute deployed 3 seconds after launch, and the engine cutoff at 6.5 seconds. The rocket impacted and exploded 300 m from the launch point.
Second launch of A3 subscale V-2 missile. Same result as first; crashed a short distance from the launch stand.
Third launch of A3 subscale V-2 missile. No parachute deployment and the engine cut-off early. The rocket impacted into the Baltic Sea and sank.
Final launch of the A3. No parachute, early cut-off, missile lost in Baltic. After this the A3 was abandoned and the A5 was designed in its place to support A4 development.