35-010 GERMAN EXPLOSIVE SPRENGBOOT "TORNADO"

The Sprengboot Tornado is a prototype, remote-controlled German boat with an explosive charge from the Second World War. The unit used as propulsion a traditional, single aircraft engine, transferred from the Junkers Ju-52 plane, and a rocket engine - the same as in the V-1 missiles. The unit could carry up to 700 kilograms of explosive charge. It was planned that the boat in the early phase of the attack would be steered by the helmsman, and in the last phase - by radio from the boat or an accompanying motorboat. After a successful attack, the helmsman was supposed to be fished out of the sea, but there are many indications that if the Sprengboot Tornado was used, in practice it would be an almost suicidal weapon. The boat has never gone beyond the prototype stage, and there are no sources confirming Tornado's participation in combat. The only one built was destroyed in 1945 so that it would not fall into the hands of the Western Allies.