A4 / V2 Rocket in detail: Turbopump

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Starting in 1935, the project to develop the V2 turbopump was one of a handful of key technologies that made the ballistic missile a viable possibility. Even today, the turbopump remains a key technology that enables liquid-fuelled rocket engines to develop the thrust needed to reach orbit.

In this comprehensive video, we look at the steam turbine-powered propellant pumps of the infamous V2 rocket - the world's first ballistic missile and the first human-made object to enter the realm of space beyond 100km (62 miles) altitude.
The video looks initially at the general form of the steam turbine and two independent centrifugal pumps and the location of the pump assembly on the missile before moving on to a detailed look at an original V2 turbopump on display in Peenemünde - the place of its birth. Along the way, we answer the question: why do some rockets need a turbopump?
We look at the German army's history of the turbopump and the vital role played by civilian contractors, not just in the manufacturing supply of the propellant pumping system - but in its development as well.

00:00 Start
01:11 Introduction to the turbopump parts and its location on the missile
12:55 The turbopump presentation at the Peenemünde Historical-Technical Museum.
23:40 Why do we need a turbopump?
34:04 Contractors and turbopump development
42:39 The Walter steam generation plant
(Erratum: please note we spelt Walter's name wrong in the video).
46:00 The chemistry used to generate the steam
55:22 Introducing the Mack Sennett School for Missile Research
1:06:46 How the steam generator works
1:12:44 Turbopump and launch sequence
1:18:12 The Steam rotor
1:26:27 A look at historical relics of the turbopump
1:48:47 What's in part 2, followed by closing credits

In part two of this video we'll be looking at some of the less well-known aspects of the turbopump; exploring the steam exhaust system, the gyroscopic phenomena associated with the turbopump and the surprising logic behind the turbopumps safety cut-off system.

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Although Turbopump Part 2 was three years in the making, very little of that time was spent in front of a camera. Most of the time and effort was spent in research and you see the culmination in the hour-and-three-quarter video presented here.

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Produced by Astronomy and Nature TV

For more information on the V2 missile visit our website:

[Nikola]

"1:51h video of V2 turbopump? No way I'm gonna watch that!"
*2 hours later* "wow, it's amazing"

[jacobeeosgood]

This is why youtube exists. This is so much better than the what the "big" channels do. Such a relief. This long format is greatly appreciated.

[petrolekh]

Did not expect something of this technical quality on Youtube.


And where the heck have you been acquiring V2 parts!?

[tachyon]

Uttermost respect for the amount of details covered in this video. Thank you for creating such amazing content!

[WinrichNaujoks]

Extraordinarily sophisticated design, manufacturing and engineering, particularly considering it was the early 1940's. Great video!

[homomorphic]

This is insane. I now know more about the V2 turbopump than anyone probably should.

[obaba]

It never occurred to me that there was a steam "engine" in the V2. The amount of detail you describe all the parts clearly shows the interest and dedication you have towards this subject - I have found myself glued to the chair . Great, great respect! A great thanks to all involved in creating and sharing this video to all of us! After watching this video and the one about the gyros I feel I want to see a V2 in person! It is so ironic that so much technology, money and human life was put in creating this rocket - just for the sake of war and vengeance!

[megafauna]

DAMN!! Part 2 please! This is actual education. Thanks!

[jeylful]

I am deeply impressed with the quality and extent of this video... but also on how entertaining the host it is! I am thoroughly enjoying it, one of the best technical videos I've watched on YouTube. Outstanding - Thank you for producing it and sharing it with the world!

[yellowboy]

A very interesting video, from a retired marine engineer in NZ. The turbine blades, i have seen the exact same types on a large marine engine of German make. Except they were longer and had a peg on the top with a band riveted to them. I was told that they had been hand forged and dressed. This turbine i was repairing, to keep the ferry running, as a new one was being souced from the manurfacturers. Its thrust bearing had run, due to debri blocking oil ways. Three of the stages had touched. Lots of mangled metal. They asked us to try and recover the longer blades, as they said that they could be reused for shorter blades.

[leokimvideo]

My God that was deep. I do love the chicken feeder rocket engine part

[turkeyboyjh]

I am so blown away by the engineering of something that was the first of its kind

[landondyer]

One of the best videos on a technical topic that I've ever seen, really. This 60's vintage rocket nerd thanks you.

[clarencegreen]

Excellent presentation! Far above and beyond any other explanation I've seen. Well done!

[sheepewe]

I can not thank You guys enough for producing such high quality content!

[MrGeoffHilton]

I was in the RAF in the 70's and 80s and you remind me of the instructors we had teaching us various equipments

[aleksaleksandr]

Fantastic video! The best material about the rocket V-2! Waiting for the second part and continue to do 3d model for next parts)

[jimkillen]

Interested information for sure. I worked at a power plant for 35 years including steam turbine, pumps ect ..
Thanks for all of the work putting this video together.

[oundhakar]

Incredible depth of research and amazing presentation. Thank you for this tremendous effort.

[skivvy]

This is exactly what I’ve been trying to find for so long. Can’t tell you how thankful I am for the specific and detailed info