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Osprey New Vanguard #283
American Guided Missiles of World War II
World War II was a significant period of development for American missile programs, during which time the US built pioneering examples of guided weapons systems. However, whilst the German missiles of World War II are famous around the world, their American counterparts have remained shrouded in secrecy, despite the fact that they formed the basis for the later revolutions in precision warfare.
Among the most sophisticated missiles of World War II was the US Navy's radar-guided Bat anti-ship missile, which was on the verge of deployment in the final months of the war. The war also saw the first use of guided assault drones, including the US Army Air Force's Aphrodite program of 1944, and the US Navy's Project Anvil and TDR-1.
This book draws back the veil on these weapons, examining the principal avenues of missile development in America during World War II, including the early glide bombs, radio-controlled bombs and electro-optically controlled bombs. Some of the more peculiar efforts, such as the “Bat bomb” and pigeon-guided bombs, are also explored. The text is supported by specially commissioned, full-colour artwork and diagrams.
Among the most sophisticated missiles of World War II was the US Navy's radar-guided Bat anti-ship missile, which was on the verge of deployment in the final months of the war. The war also saw the first use of guided assault drones, including the US Army Air Force's Aphrodite program of 1944, and the US Navy's Project Anvil and TDR-1.
This book draws back the veil on these weapons, examining the principal avenues of missile development in America during World War II, including the early glide bombs, radio-controlled bombs and electro-optically controlled bombs. Some of the more peculiar efforts, such as the “Bat bomb” and pigeon-guided bombs, are also explored. The text is supported by specially commissioned, full-colour artwork and diagrams.
85 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2020
About the author
Steven J. Zaloga
381 books77 followersSteven Zaloga is an author and defense analyst known worldwide for his articles and publications on military technology. He has written over a hundred books on military technology and military history, including “Armored Thunderbolt: The US Army Sherman in World War II”, one of the most highly regarded histories of the Sherman Tank. His books have been translated into Japanese, German, Polish, Czech, Romanian, and Russian. He was a special correspondent for Jane’s Intelligence Review and is on the executive board of the Journal of Slavic Military Studies and the New York Military Affairs Symposium. From 1987 through 1992, he was the writer/producer for Video Ordnance Inc., preparing their TV series Firepower. He holds a BA in history from Union College and an MA in history from Columbia University.
Mr. Zaloga is also a noted scale armor modeler and is a host/moderator of the World War II Allied Discussion group at Missing-Lynx.com, a modelling website. He is a frequent contributor to the UK-based modeling magazine Military Modelling. He is a member of the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society.
Mr. Zaloga is also a noted scale armor modeler and is a host/moderator of the World War II Allied Discussion group at Missing-Lynx.com, a modelling website. He is a frequent contributor to the UK-based modeling magazine Military Modelling. He is a member of the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 17, 2020
Excellent in-depth summary of little-known guided weapons programs of WW2
Steve Zaloga hits it out of the park with this extremely informative work about a lessor known subject from WW2: American guided missile developments. (Missiles include unpowered bombs.) I was especially interested in the work on guided bombs (e.g. Azon) which anticipate the more famous LGB of the Vietnam War by almost 30 years.
Steve Zaloga hits it out of the park with this extremely informative work about a lessor known subject from WW2: American guided missile developments. (Missiles include unpowered bombs.) I was especially interested in the work on guided bombs (e.g. Azon) which anticipate the more famous LGB of the Vietnam War by almost 30 years.
July 19, 2020
Excellent survey of a fascinating subject
Have enjoyed this overview of the beginnings of the modern era of advanced weaponry. It is well-priced, handy reference to all the US programs of the era and read well on my kindle, tablet and phone. The illustrations are the usual high standard; you know when it is a good book when it ends leaving you wanting more.
Have enjoyed this overview of the beginnings of the modern era of advanced weaponry. It is well-priced, handy reference to all the US programs of the era and read well on my kindle, tablet and phone. The illustrations are the usual high standard; you know when it is a good book when it ends leaving you wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews