Wolf, Williams Off Target. America's Guided Bombs, Missiles and Drones 1917-1950

The book relates in detail the then "secret" research, development and combat employment of these early guided bombs, missiles and drones from 1917 to 1950. Using formerly secret/confidential manuals, reports, microfilm printouts and photos collected over forty years, William Wolf gives a detailed look at this unknown topic that progressed from biplane drones to sophisticated post-Second World War guided missiles. Among the subjects discussed are Sperrys aerial torpedo and the Kettering Bug of the First World War to early rudimentary GB Series glide bombs to the more sophisticated VB Series that evolved from radio, heat, light or television guidance.

The author used former secret and confidential manuals, reports, microfilm printouts and photographs collected over 40 years in his research and gives a detailed insight into this largely unknown subject, which developed from biplane drones to highly sophisticated guided missiles after the Second World War. The topics covered include Sperry's aerial torpedo and the "Kettering Bug" (unmanned aerial vehicle) of the First World War as well as the still quite simple gliding bombs of the GB series or the already highly developed guided weapons of the VB series, which found their target with the help of radar, heat, light or image search.