The V-1 was developed by Germany in WW-2 and was the first-ever "cruise missile". A payload of 850 Kg of Amatol hitting a populated area could demolish houses at the centre of impact and cause damage to hundreds of others. V-1 attacks on London began in mid-June 1944 and ended in October when the launch sites on the French coast were overrun. Over 8000 were launched. Although most were intercepted, they caused over 20,000 casualties and damage to over a million buildings.