GB-4 (Glide Bomb No.4) [1] [2] [3] | |
Origin: | United States |
Is Missile: | yes |
Service: | Combat Tested[4] |
Production Date: | 1944 |
Number: | 1,200 |
Weight: | 2535lb |
Length: | 12.2feet |
Diameter: | 24inches |
Filling Weight: | 2000lb |
Detonation: | T62 Impact Fuze |
Primary Armament: | AN-M66 General Purpose Bomb |
Engine: | none |
Payload Capacity: | 2000lb |
Vehicle Range: | 17miles Preferred |
Speed: | NaNmph |
Guidance: | Block III (AN/AXT-2) television equipment and remote radio control |
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 200feet.[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]