Off Target

America’s Guided Bombs, Missiles and Drones 1917-1948

Author - William Wolf 

Publication Date - 11 February 2021

ISBN - 978-1-78155-816-4

Extent - 544 pages

Illustrations - 339 mono/7 colour

• The definitive and comprehensive study of US pre-Cold War guided

bomb, missile and drone development

• A fascinating study of German guided-missile technology during the

Second World War such as the V-1, V-2, Rheinbote, Fritz X,

Ruhrstahl X-7, Wasserfall, A4b and Feuerlilie

• Beautifully illustrated with many rare and unpublished photographs

• Of interest to aviation and military historians, modellers, gamers

and flight simulator enthusiasts

Every week, mass media highlights the use of drones and guided missiles against

terrorists and the recreational use of drones has become commonplace. The Nazi

development of guided missiles and bombs during the Second World War is often

given credit for America’s Cold War success in this realm; however, it was during

the war that America 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 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 Sperry’s 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.

William Wolf retired from dentistry at the age of 45 to pursue his fascination with military aviation and outdoor pastimes. He has authored over twenty-three books on the Second World War air combat,

including nine on American bombers, two on US fighters, five on US flying units and three volumes on US aerial armament. His personal library, collected over 40 years,  contains over 27,000+ books and magazines; 10,000+ photographs; 2,000 reels of rare microfilm from original sources; 1,000+ CDs of scanned manuals/books; and over 800 DVDs.