The V-2 rocket was also officially known as the "buzz bomb" by the German government, but it was generally known by the British public as the "rocket bomb" or simply the "rocket"
The V-1 buzz bomb was conceived by German engineer Robert Lusser of the Luftwaffe. The original version was to be radio controlled, but this idea was abandoned in favour of a simplified autopilot. The V-1, powered by a pulsejet engine, was extremely slow and noisy. Its speed never exceeded 400 mph (640 km/h), and at low altitude the V-1 only travelled at about 350 mph (560 km/h).
The engine, mounted above the fuselage, gave off a distinctive "putt-putt" sound, and because of this, the V-1 was nicknamed the "buzz bomb" or "Doodlebug". It had a range of around 150 miles (240 km). The V-1 weighed around 2,500 pounds (1,100 kg), with over 1,800 pounds (820 kg) of that being high explosive.
The bomb was launched from ramps or rails located on the ground. It was launched vertically, and after a few seconds, the engine would cut in and it would continue to climb until it reached its cruising altitude of around 2,500 feet (760 m). The V-1 would then travel at a constant speed until it reached its target or ran out of fuel, in which case it would simply drop to the ground and explode.
The V-1 was not a very accurate weapon. It was often launched in large numbers in the hopes of hitting something, but accuracy was unpredictable and the bombs frequently landed on open ground or in water. However, the V-1 was still a threat to London and other cities in England. Over 1,000 V-1s were launched against London, and they killed over 6,000 people and caused widespread damage.