Zaloga, Steven J. American Guided Missiles of World War II

World War II was a significant period of development for American missile programs, during which time the U.S. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. Army Air Force's "Aphrodite" program of 1944, and the U.S. 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.

This book lifts the veil around these weapons and examines the main avenues of missile development in the US during WW2, including early glide bombs, remote-controlled bombs and electro-optically guided bombs. Some of the more peculiar efforts, such as the "bat bomb" and pigeon-guided bombs, are also featured. The text is supported by specially commissioned colour illustrations and diagrams.