WWII Experimental Tests - US's Own Buzz Bomb, the JB-2, Spec

Cutting edge for WWII. Shows a segmented shatterproof airborne oxygen tank that doesn't explode when shot by bullet rounds. Next segmetn shows the JB-2 which the US borrowed from the German design to create their own "V-1 Buss Bomb." The JB-2, built by Republic Aviation (airframe) and Ford Motor Company (pulsejet engine), was reverse-engineered by inspecting V-1 wreckage found in England and was first flight-tested less than four months after the first V-1 attack. While the first flights were from Eglin AAF, Florida, extensive testing was also done at Wendover Army Air Field in Utah, launching only a few hundred feet from the sheds where delivery methods for the first atomic bombs were being developed under Project Alberta. The JB-2 was intended as a weapon in the planned invasion of Japan, but Japan surrendered and the invasion did not take place. Following the war, testing at Wendover continued, including comparison tests between the original German missile and the American copy. Later, preliminary design work was done on a small atomic warhead to be fitted to the JB-2, but it was never built.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• WWII
• Experimental
• Tests
• Buzz
• Bomb
• JB-2
• Special
• Airborne
• Oxygen
• Tanks

[Mark49007]

They have this bomb because Werner von Braun and his people go to USA work for us army.He make missele for Moon project.

[TigEarnest]

That last clip does look like it's in Santa Rosa Beach, right next to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.

[MetrakitProRaceII]

I like the Buzzbombs :>> 

[motrekrap]

My Dad was on hand during the launches shown beginning at 1:20 of this video. He was an Army Air Corps Lieutenant at the time. I still have a collection of photos taken there showing assembly, testing and launching.

[Auggie56]

That JB2 was manufactured here in Toledo at the Jeep plant.

[MissileDave]

There were satellite locations in Destin, Fl more specifically Santa Rosa Beach . Do you have or know where I can find more info?

[KevinByrne2]

@MissileDave -- The JB-2s were launched from Eglin Air Force Base at Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

[bluenail90]

@superhornet59 Listen to the song 'pure mania' by the Vibrators, (LP version)

[MissileDave]

Does anyone have more info on these test flights of JB-2s? Speciffically about this launch site. Photos, video or print info appreciated. That missile ramp shown in video is my driveway now!

[superhornet59]

god i love that sound..