Baron Wilhelm Theodor Unge was a military engineer who invented a telemeter and various improvements to artillery.[3] He was born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1845. He worked with Alfred Nobel to improve the range and accuracy of Hale rockets, by using improved propellants and launching from cannons.[3] It is possible that one of his rockets carried the Nobel camera that made the first aerial photograph from a rocket in April 1897.[2]

Baron Wilhelm Theodor Unge
Born1845
Stockholm
Died1915 (aged 69–70)
AllegianceSweden
Service / branchArmy of Sweden
Years of service1866-? (prior to 1894)
RankLieutenant colonel, staff-general and captain in the Royal Uplands Regiment[1]
Other workcontrolled, Solid-fuel rocketry; improved propellant; life-saving rockets
This aerial photograph of Karlskoga possibly used one of Captain W.T. Unge's rockets to carry one of Alfred Nobel cameras c. 1897.[2]

After Nobel died in 1896, Unge obtained patents for improved rockets, with some sold to several countries. In 1908 he sold his patents to Friedrich Krupp.[3]

In 1977, Unge was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Optic Military Article Photocopies". Retrieved 2009-09-19.
  2. ^ a b Skoog, A. Ingemar (2009-07-17). "The Alfred Nobel rocket camera. An early aerial photography attempt". Acta Astronautica. 66 (3–4). Elsevier Ltd: 624–635. doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2009.06.011.
  3. ^ a b c "Wilhelm T. Unge". Retrieved 2009-09-19. Inducted in 1977
  4. ^ "Space Hall Honors Pioneers". Las Cruces Sun-News. Las Cruces, New Mexico. October 30, 1977. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.