The beginnings of what was to evolve into the Henschel Hs 293 were laid as early as 1939, and a test model taking the form of a glider was constructed the following year, the ultimate intention being to develop a missile that could be used against shipping under remote control from a launching aircraft.
This Henschel Hs 293 has had its rocket propulsion unit removed to show the internal equipment. The flare unit for visual location of the missile in night can be seen at the back of the weapon.
Although a suitable rocket motor was still not available, development went ahead using a standard SC 500 bomb fitted with wings and tail unit, although no rudder was incorporated, and as time progressed the programme saw the fitting of the first version with a propulsive unit, this taking the form of a liquid rocket (using T-stoff and Z-stoff propellants) slung under the main body. An 18-channel radio system ensured control. It was anticipated that the missile would be carried into action under a parent aircraft, from which warm air was channelled to prevent the missile from freezing up at the high altitude at which it was released, but at 1400 m (4,595 ft) a maximum of 3 km (5 miles) could be anticipated.
The Henschel Hs 293A stand-off guided bomb was dropped from the carrier aircraft on a parallel course to the target on the port side, and radio-guided to the target. A Hare in the rear of the bomb gave visible evidence of the missile's position to the aimer.
Once released the Hs 293 dropped some 90 m (295 ft) before the rocket developed maximum thrust, and the parent aircraft continued to fly a set course parallel with the target, while permitting the bomb-aimer to keep the missile in sight and guide it with the aid of a small control box on which was mounted a miniature control column, keeping in sight the red guidance flare in the tail, the actual flight path being a series of arcs as corrections were received.
Crew members learn to control the Henschel Hs 293 guided bomb in a simulator. The guidance operators always sat on the starboard (right) side of the cabin, and therefore it was always necessary to attack a target from the port side and in the same movement direction.
The main disadvantage of the Hs 293A was that the launching aircraft had to maintain a steady, level course and evasive action to escape AA fire was impossible. An improved Hs 293D with a television aiming system was planned, but the war ended before it could be constructed. However, icing was a problem never really overcome and as a consequence further propulsion units were developed. But these were never taken beyond the experimental stage.
A Henschel Hs 293A stand-off guided bomb. This example was found near Paris in 1944 by Allied forces. The flat disc around the nose of the bomb prevented deep penetration before exploding.
Specification: 
Hs293
Type: rocket-propelled anti-ship missile
Engine: one 600-kg (1,323-lb) thrust Walter 109-507B rocket Performance
maximum speed 900 km/h (559 mph)
Weights: round 1045 kg (2,304 lb)
Explosive 295 kg (650 lb)
Dimensions: span 3.14 m (10 ft 3.6 in)
Length 3.58 m (11 ft 9 in);
Fuselage diameter 0.48 m(l ft 6.9 in);
Wing area 1.92m2 (20, 67 sq ft)