The FL boat was a roughly 30-knot explosive craft controlled through a wire that could extend about 20 kilometres. An aircraft overhead observed the run and sent directions to a ground station, whose operators could test the system, start or stop the engine, change the rudder, illuminate the boat for night tracking, and detonate the warhead. Germany considered control from ships or aircraft and radio guidance, but did not develop those versions during the war. Italian explosive boats used by the Regia Marina in the Second World War followed a similar idea. Built to counter British bombardment monitors, the FL boat shows that uncrewed anti-ship weapons and their remote-control problems have a much longer history than is often assumed.
Notable Point · 12:41-14:59
FL boats and early uncrewed anti-ship warfare
German FL boats show that remotely controlled explosive craft were already being developed to attack British monitors in the First World War.