A-4B (A9 Early) German Boost-Glide Missile

The A-4B (also known earlier on as the A9) was a modification of the V-2 with wings intended to extend the range of the missile to 600km. It was originally intended as the platform of Germany's space program, coming in a range from upper atmosphere instrument carriers, to manned spaceplanes, to the upper stage of a 2/3/4 stage rocket which would allow it to achieve orbit. The original plan for this particular version was further developed to have 2 fuselage strakes (really, really sleek looking wings) for better ability to be placed on top of larger launch systems, but was effectively cancelled when the SS (Heinreich Kammler) took control of Peenemunde and ordered the engineers to strictly work on V-2 reliability for war production.

By 1944, after similar designs like the Silbervogel were still being refined, the A9 was dusted off again as an emergency project to allow V-2s to hit London from further back in Europe. 2 V-2s were converted, but both were ultimately failures (the second successfully launched; however upon entering the atmosphere it initially flew fine at over mach 4 but failed when one wing broke off). In effect it became the first supersonic winged missile.

Instructions: Rule #1: Do not fly this at all with autopilot. It may be configured as an aircraft but don't be fooled: because it relies on the gyroscope for roll control it will enter an uncontrollable roll at altitudes greater than 30km.

For a ballistic trajectory: Launch vertically and roll to desired direction; optimal angle for trajectory is 75-60 degrees. When the rocket burns out or the missile reaches 30km, use manual controls to pitch the aircraft down, converting vertical velocity to lateral. Aim for 65-80km, and when out of the atmosphere set prograde and time accelerate until at apogee. Maintain an Angle of Attack of 10-15 degrees through reentry. Be wary of the entry from 55km-30km, for the missile will possibly be incredibly difficult to control, especially if your inclination downwards is over 15 degrees. At 25km the missile will begin to pull put of the dive and will acheive horizontal flight at 10km. Maintain speed until Mach 2-1.5, and dive to 5000m and level out until Mach 1.2. Afterwards Dive for terminal impact.

For Gliding (Optimal) flight: prepare direction and disengage autopilot like before, except this time pitch down to 30 degrees. Continue until missile burns out, and aim for Apogee of 29km (as it was intended to reach). Slowly glide at 150m/s vertical and level out at 20km. "Bounce" at that up 3-4km and return to the altitude until vehicle decelerates to Mach 2. Dive to 10km and repeat process until Mach 1.5, then to 5km and level out. Dive for terminal impact.

On Final Note: I will have multiple variants of this vehicle for each version that was intended. If possible landing gear could be attached and used to land at the space center (as it was intended to do at 160kph). Aside from that I do hope you enjoy this vehicle. Was really fascinating testing how far it flies and how quickly.