Now, a train of thought entered my brains...
WI, instead of V-2 Germany focuses on shorter range tactical missile, with roughly 100nm range. ie. enough to reach London from occupied France. While this missile is being developed, by 1942 a need for new kind of aerial defence surfaces to replace AAA as American and British aerial offensives intensify. Thus the missile is developed both for anti-aircraft and tactical missile duties.
Enter mid-1944 and the Wasserfall-ite missile enters service. While not capable of stopping the Allied bomber offensives, it inflicts substantial casualties and require a number of sorties to be redirected towards SEAD duties. Meanwhile, a smaller tactical missiles manage to hit London, although not as in many numbers as the V-2's of OTL.
Now, the WW2 ends roughly as in OTL with atomic bombs finishing Japan. USA, UK and USSR all know that while bombers can get through they will be vulnerable compared to missiles as methods of atomic bomb delivery. Could this result in faster development of IRBM's and ICBM's, perhaps with satellites already in late 1940's and men in orbit by early 1950's?
As a historical comparison I would put forward the RN & USN reaction to threat that Soviets might fully deploy German Type XXI, resulting in radical investment in new ASW technology.
WI, instead of V-2 Germany focuses on shorter range tactical missile, with roughly 100nm range. ie. enough to reach London from occupied France. While this missile is being developed, by 1942 a need for new kind of aerial defence surfaces to replace AAA as American and British aerial offensives intensify. Thus the missile is developed both for anti-aircraft and tactical missile duties.
Enter mid-1944 and the Wasserfall-ite missile enters service. While not capable of stopping the Allied bomber offensives, it inflicts substantial casualties and require a number of sorties to be redirected towards SEAD duties. Meanwhile, a smaller tactical missiles manage to hit London, although not as in many numbers as the V-2's of OTL.
Now, the WW2 ends roughly as in OTL with atomic bombs finishing Japan. USA, UK and USSR all know that while bombers can get through they will be vulnerable compared to missiles as methods of atomic bomb delivery. Could this result in faster development of IRBM's and ICBM's, perhaps with satellites already in late 1940's and men in orbit by early 1950's?
As a historical comparison I would put forward the RN & USN reaction to threat that Soviets might fully deploy German Type XXI, resulting in radical investment in new ASW technology.
Last edited: