JOURNAL ARTICLE

Bottleneck: The Supply of Liquid Oxygen for the German V-2 Rocket.

  • Published In: Journal of Military History, 2026, v. 90, n. 1. P. 86 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Schmundt-Thomas, Georg 3 of 3

Abstract

While the lack of propellants as factor in the strategic defeat of the Luftwaffe in WWII has been well documented, the centrality of liquid oxygen to the German rocket program has been overlooked. Based on new archival research of surviving V-2 files, this study argues that building and protecting the liquid oxygen supply network, given the "use it or lose it" characteristics of the substance, became the overriding operational focus of military program leadership. The scope of oxygen supply was neither reduced nor challenged throughout the war, suggesting the Reich saw a strategic role for the weapon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Military History. 2026/01, Vol. 90, Issue 1, p86
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0899-3718
  • Accession Number:190396919
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