US Pratt & Reed LBE-1 ''Glomb'' Glide Bomb

By Crusader1307

The Class of World War II weapons known as ''Glombs'' were actually Glide Bombs. These could be either deployed from heavier delivery Aircraft (Bombers), or remotely controlled from wither ground or actual flight control. Designs started in 1941 by several Companies contracted to The US War Department, it was not until 1944 (late in The War), that several viable types were produced. Fraught with too many technical issues, The ''Glombs'' were neber deployed into actual combat, with the Programs being canceled at War End in 1945. The obvious advantage to The Glombs was that loss of life was greatly reduced by their use, as well as the delivery of more ''exotic'' payload amounts (higher yield conventional explosives). As a ''Glider'' (in essence), no real Engine powers was needed, and only detail was given to aerodynamics. It was determined that at least payloads of 18,000-pounds were needed to be successful. This meant an air design which supported a reinforced fuselage and wing configurations capable of such support as well. Mostly reinforced ''civilian'' and Commercial craft such as The Piper, Waco (already in service as an Observation Craft with The US Army Air Forces), Taylorcraft and several others. Pratt & Reed came up with a very viable design with their LBE-1. As stated, the issue was an effective Radar guidance and control system. Although discontinued, ''Glomb'' would go on to lend valuable information to the later developed and deployed ''Gargoyle'' LBD Missile.