Fritz X - Definition and Overview

Fritz X was a German air-launched anti-ship missile, deployed during World War II. Fritz X was an allied code-name; alternate names include Ruhrstahl SD 1400 X.

History

Development began in 1938.

Inventory

Combat Performance

Fritz X was used in combat in 1943.

It sank the Italian battleship Roma, seriously damaged the British battleship HMS Warspite, and hit the American cruisers USS Philadelphia and Savannah. It sank the British light cruiser HMS Spartan.

Characteristics

• Primary Function: air-launched anti-ship missile
• Contractor: Ruhrstahl
• Power Plant: HWK 109-507B rocket engine

• Length: 3.32 m
• Diameter: 85.3 cm
• Wing Span: 1.49 m
• Launch Weight: 1362 kg

• Speed: 343 m/s
• Warhead: 320 kg amatol explosive, armour-piercing
• Range: 5 km
• Fuzes:
• Guidance system: Kehl-Strassburg FuG 203/230; MCLOS

• Unit Cost:
• Date Deployed: 1943
• Users:
  • Germany: carried on Heinkel He 111, Dornier Do 217

See also

• German missiles of WW2
• Henschel Hs 293