GB-4

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GB-4 (Glide Bomb No.4) [1][2][3]
TypeGuided Bomb
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In serviceCombat Tested[1][2][4]
WarsWorld War II
Production history
Produced1944
No. built1,200
Specifications
Mass2,535 lb (1,150 kg)
Length12.2 ft (3.7 m)
Diameter24 in (61 cm)
Warhead weight2,000 lb (910 kg)
Detonation
mechanism
T62 Impact Fuze
Enginenone
Operational
range
17 mi (27 km) Preferred
Maximum speed 250–300 mph (400–480 km/h)
Guidance
system
Block III (AN/AXT-2) television equipment and remote radio control[1]

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 of 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[]

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Zaloga, Steven J (2020). American Guided Missiles of World War II. Osprey. pp. 40–45. ISBN 9781472839275.
  3. ^ a b OP 1664, US Explosive Ordnance, Volume 2 (Report). Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). 1947. p. 559.
  4. ^ 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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