DE1800776

A missile or flying body construction includes a payload cone which is detachably connected to a fuselage portion by a coupling member. The payload cone forms the forward part of the missile and a rocket engine designed as an independent structural unit is made so that it can be inserted into the fuselage portion and secured thereto by means of an encircling clamping ring. The forward end of the rocket engine portion is provided with a threaded bore to permit interengagement thereof with a coupling member which is also threaded to the payload cone. The rocket engine carries a laterally or downwardly extending thrust nozzle projection which advantageously fits into a longitudinally elongated slot of the trailing fuselage portion. The fuselage portion in the form of a sleeve carries aerodynamic control surfaces and it forms a housing for controls such as a gyroscope, battery, and wire coil.