Argus As 014 facts for kids

Paul Schmidt pulsejet SR500 (top)

The Argus As 014 was a special type of pulse jet engine. It was used on the German V-1 flying bomb during World War II. This engine was designed to be simple and cheap to make. It was built from a rolled steel tube. At one end, it had a shutter, a fuel valve, and an igniter. This igniter was used to light the fuel.

It was also thought that this engine could power other types of German aircraft during the final days of World War II.

What is a Pulsejet Engine?

A pulsejet engine is a very simple type of jet engine. Unlike modern jet engines, it doesn't have many moving parts. It works by taking in air, mixing it with fuel, and then burning it. This creates a powerful burst of hot gas. This burst pushes the engine forward.

How a Pulsejet Works

• Air enters the engine through a special valve or opening.
• Fuel is sprayed into the air.
• An igniter lights the mixture. This causes a small explosion.
• The hot gases from the explosion rush out the back of the engine. This creates thrust.
• As the gases leave, the pressure inside the engine drops. This closes the valve or opening.
• Then, the process repeats very quickly. This creates a pulsing sound, like a fast throb. That's why it's called a "pulse" jet.

The Argus As 014 and the V-1 Bomb

The Argus As 014 was the engine for the V-1 flying bomb. The V-1 was an early type of unmanned aircraft. It was used during World War II. The engine was chosen because it was easy to mass-produce. It also used materials that were easy to find.

Building the Engine

The Argus As 014 was made from a simple steel sheet. This sheet was rolled into a tube shape. Inside the tube, there was a special shutter. This shutter acted like a one-way valve. It let air in but stopped hot gases from escaping the front. There was also a fuel valve to control the fuel. An igniter started the engine. Once it was running, the heat from the engine kept it going.

Other Possible Uses

Near the end of World War II, the Argus As 014 was considered for other uses. Engineers thought it could power small, fast aircraft. These planes would have been simple to build. However, the war ended before these ideas could be fully developed.

Images for kids

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  Diagram showing operation of a valved pulsejet

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  Sectioned AS 014 engine on display at the London Science Museum

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  An Fi 103R "manned V-1" at Neu Tramm

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  V-1 missiles on the Mittelbau-Dora production line with As 014 pulsejets installed

See also

In Spanish: Argus As 014 para niños