GB-4 (Glide Bomb No.4) was a precision guided munition developed by the United States during World War II.[1] GB-4s used a television guidance system with the weapon being steered by a TV bombardier operating a joystick in the launch aircraft.[4]
The first GB-4s (then known as MX-607s) were tested at Eglin Air Force Base during August 1943.[2] During testing the GB-4's circular error probable accuracy was found to be 200 feet (61 m).[1][3] The type was ordered into production on the 15 January 1944. Although approved for operational use, the typed suffered from reliability problems throughout testing.[2]
The GB-4 was briefly used in combat[1][4] by the 388th Bomber Group,[2] based in eastern England, but its performance was deemed unsatisfactory.[4] 1,200 GB-4's were delivered to the USAAF however poor combat results lead to a decision to halt further deliveries in February 1945.[2]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f Guidance and Homing of Missiles and Pilotless Aircraft (Report). AAF (US) Scientific Advisory Group, Wright Field. 1946. p. 5. Archived from the original on February 5, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g Zaloga, Steven J (2020). American Guided Missiles of World War II. Osprey. pp. 40–45. ISBN 9781472839275.
- ^ a b OP 1664, US Explosive Ordnance, Volume 2 (Report). Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). 1947. p. 559.
- ^ a b c d Rosenberg, Max (1964). The Airforce and the National Guided Missile Program 1944-1950 (Report). USAF Historical Liaison Office. p. 11.
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