Could ground-attack aircraft destroy V-2 rockets during their pre-launch preparations?
Short answerYes in principle, because the rocket was most vulnerable before launch, but the preparation window was very short and difficult to exploit.
NotesGround-attack aircraft could search for a V-2's launch preparations, but the opportunity to attack was brief. Forces tried to exploit that opportunity. The same principle appears in Special Air Service raids on aircraft in North Africa: a weapon system is weakest before it becomes airborne. The tactic works only if the attacker can locate and reach the target in time.