Every week the TV news highlights the routine use of drones and guided missiles against terrorist enemies and the recreational use of drones has become commonplace. The Nazi WWII development of guided missiles and bombs is often given credit for America's Cold War success in this realm. However, it was during that war that America, and the Air Force, in particular, also began the development of systems and weapons that laid the foundation for today's technology. 'Off Target' relates in detail the then "Secret" research, development, and combat employment of these early guided bombs, missiles, and drones from 1917 to 1948. Using formerly Secret/Confidential manuals, reports, microfilm print outs, and photos, collected over 40 years, author Wolf, gives the air war historian and enthusiast a detailed look at this unknown topic that progressed from biplane drones to sophisticated post-WWII guided missiles. Among the subjects discussed are Sperry's aerial torpedo and the Kettering "Bug" of WWI to WWII's early rudimentary GB Series Glide Bombs to the more sophisticated VB Series that evolved from radio, heat, light, or television guidance. The Aphrodite/Joseph Kennedy B-17, BQ, TDR, and target drones are discussed as are the SWOD, GLOMB, GORGON, and JB Jet bomb series.

About the Author
Dr. Wolf retired from dentistry at the age of 45 to pursue his lifelong fascination with WWII aviation history and outdoor pastimes of hiking, mountain climbing, road and mountain biking, and sea kayaking. He has authored over twenty-three books on WWII, including nine on American bombers, two on U.S. fighters, five on U.S. flying units, and three volumes on U.S. aerial armament. His personal WWII library, collected over 40-years, now contains over 25,000 + books and magazines; 10,000 + photographs; along with 2,000 reels of rare microfilm from original WWII sources; 1,000 + CDs of scanned manuals and books; and over 800 DVDs.


Book Information
ISBN 9781781558164
Author William Wolf
Format Hardback
Page Count 544
Imprint Fonthill Media Ltd
Publisher Fonthill Media Ltd
Weight(grams) 1497g
Dimensions(mm) 248mm * 172mm * 38mm