Off Target. America’s Guided Bombs, Missiles and Drones 1917-1950

Description

The definitive and comprehensive study of US pre-Cold War guided bomb, missile and drone development

A fascinating study of German guided-missile technology during the Second World War such as the V-1, V-2 , Rheinbote, Fritz X, Ruhrstahl X-7, Wasserfall, A4b and Feuerlilie

Beautifully illustrated with many rare and unpublished photographs

Of interest to aviation and military historians, modellers, gamers and flight simulator enthusiasts

Supplemented by a wealth of diagrams and photographs, some believed to be previously unpublished

Every week, mass media highlights the use of drones and guided missiles against terrorists and the recreational use of drones has become commonplace.

The Nazi development of guided missiles and bombs during the Second World War is often given credit for America’s Cold War success in this realm; however, it was during the war that America also began the development of systems and weapons that laid the foundation for today’s technology.

Off Target: America’s Guided Bombs, Missiles and Drones 1917-1948 relates in detail the then ‘secret’ research, development and combat employment of these early guided bombs, missiles and drones from 1917 to 1950.

Using formerly secret/confidential manuals, reports, microfilm printouts and photos collected over forty years, William Wolf gives a detailed look at this unknown topic that progressed from biplane drones to sophisticated post-Second World War guided missiles.

Among the subjects discussed are Sperry’s aerial torpedo and the Kettering ‘Bug’ of the First World War to early rudimentary GB Series glide bombs to the more sophisticated VB Series that evolved from radio, heat, light or television guidance.