Pulsejet

Beginning in January 1941, the V-1's pulsejet engine was also tested on a variety of craft, including automobilessfn and an experimental attack boat known as the "Tornado".

La-9 derivatives included examples fitted with two underwing auxiliary pulsejet engines (the La-9RD) and a similarly mounted pair of auxiliary ramjet engines (the La-138); however, neither of these entered service.

The pulsejet, internal systems and warhead of the missile were removed, leaving only the wings and basic fuselage, now containing a single large fuel tank.

The simple, Argus-built pulsejet engine pulsed 50 times per second,sfn and the characteristic buzzing sound gave rise to the colloquial names "buzz bomb" or " doodlebug " (a common name for a wide variety of flying insects).

This was necessary to avoid damaging the mother craft's fuselage and tail surfaces when the pulsejet ignited, as well as to ensure a "clean" airflow for the Argus motor's intake.

Three air nozzles in the front of the pulsejet were at the same time connected to an external high-pressure air source that was used to start the engine.