The WNF 342 is closely associated with an ambitious requirement issued by the German Navy that sought an aerial observation platform that would be suitable for use aboard not only relatively compact ships but even its extensive submarine fleet as well.

[2][3] The Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) (the German Reich Aviation Ministry) quickly took an interest in the venture, extending its support and financial backing for development.

[3][8] von Doblhoff promoted the WNF 342 to perform various roles, including as a transport that he claimed would be capable of conveying up to six tons of cargo over medium distances at a low speed.

[10] It was immediately apparent that the tip jets were responsible for generating a great deal of noise in addition to the necessary thrust, to the extent that it was seen as a problem for its prospective operational use.

[12] Deeming the WNF 342 to be valuable enough to be worth further study, on 19 July 1945, V4 was shipped to the continental United States under Operation Lusty aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Reaper.

[13][14] Following its arrival in the US, along with several other captured German objects of interest, including some Flettner Fl 282 and Focke-Achgelis Fa 330 helicopters,[14] V4 was transported to Freeman Army Airfield, outside Seymour, Indiana, where it was statically examined in depth and restored to an airworthy condition.