When did B-24s start using radio-controlled bomb release mechanisms? (1 Viewer)

[theOtherBarry]

Sgt. Paul K. Giloth received a Bronze medal in 1944 for designing a mechanism that would attach to the Norden bomb sight. All I can find out about it is that it is called a "radio-controlled automatic bomb release". I can only assume that it is meant to be mounted on the lead plane, and when the bombardier drops his bombs, it sends a radio signal to the whole squadron, automatically triggering their release as well. Does anyone know anything more about it, especially WHEN it became widely used? My Uncle was a B-24 pilot, and I'm working on a book about his service. This could help fill a hole I'm struggling with.

 

[WATU]

Just to check, you do mean radio-controlled and not radar-controlled?

 

[theOtherBarry]

That's what everything I can find says.
"Received the Bronze Star from the 9th Air Force for field development of the "automatic bomb release" radio controlled system in France, 1944."

GILOTH, PAUL KARL

Paul Karl Giloth, born in Chicago on Feb. 13, 1917, resident of Wheaton, IL for 37 years and was raised in Glen Ellyn, IL. Died Jan. 17, 2004 at home. Survived by his four children, Barbara Giloth (Fred Hillbruner) of Chicago, IL, Robert…

www.chicagotribune.com

Although, he did get secret training on radar before he was deployed.
"In 1942 he did radar training at the secret camp in McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville."

 

[Count de Bastrop]

That's what everything I can find says.
"Received the Bronze Star from the 9th Air Force for field development of the "automatic bomb release" radio controlled system in France, 1944."

GILOTH, PAUL KARL

Paul Karl Giloth, born in Chicago on Feb. 13, 1917, resident of Wheaton, IL for 37 years and was raised in Glen Ellyn, IL. Died Jan. 17, 2004 at home. Survived by his four children, Barbara Giloth (Fred Hillbruner) of Chicago, IL, Robert…

www.chicagotribune.com

Although, he did get secret training on radar before he was deployed.
"In 1942 he did radar training at the secret camp in McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville."

Since "radar" is an acronym for 'radio detection and ranging', and since it was still relatively new technology and terminology of the time, I suspect that the word radio in the description of the award was referring to radar. Just a logic-based guess, though.

 

[theOtherBarry]

You may be right. Where can I learn more about that?

 

[Count de Bastrop]

I'm afraid I can't be very helpful there. Maybe someone else has a suggestion. I did an internet search and found a couple of interesting things that MAY be helpful:
"American Bomber Aircraft Development in World War 2" by Bill Norton is readily available on Amazon for just over $50 or on Abe Books for $25 (used, I presume).
Also, check out this website (may or may not be the same system you are looking for...): Nitemare's Secret Score | Air & Space Forces Magazine

 

[theOtherBarry]

Wow, thanks! That "Nitemare" story is great! You're right, it's about low-altitude bombing, not the high-altitude raids in Europe. But they're related. I confess, I've never heard about radar-controlled bombing in WWII before. Thanks again!