"AZON" - FIRST U.S. SMART BOMB - Unboxing WW2 Analog Radio Modulator & Transmitter for Guided VB-1

Published on June 30, 2024
Duration: 13:31

This video details the unboxing and historical significance of the BC-1158 radio control box, used for the AZON (Azimuth Only) bomb, the US military's first radio-controlled precision guided bomb. It highlights the M65 1,000 lb bomb and its adaptation kit, explaining the AZON's limitations (azimuth control only) and contrasting it with the later RAZON (Range and Azimuth Only) bomb. The content emphasizes the rarity of surviving equipment from this era.

Quick Summary

The AZON bomb, a World War II innovation, was the US military's first radio-controlled precision-guided bomb. It adapted the M65 1,000 lb bomb to allow remote control of its lateral movement (azimuth only) via the BC-1158 radio control box, significantly improving accuracy over conventional ordnance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: WWII Bomb Unboxing
  2. 00:12Early US Army Weapons Technology
  3. 00:24M65 General Purpose High Explosive Bomb
  4. 00:33BC-1158 Radio Control Box Unboxing
  5. 00:46The AZON: First Precision Guided Bomb
  6. 01:08Sourcing the Rare Control Box
  7. 02:32Manufacturing Date: August 1945
  8. 04:42Signal Corps US Army Radio Modulator Transmitter BC-1158A
  9. 05:00Manufacturer: Argus Incorporated
  10. 05:20Support Bracket for Vibration Absorption
  11. 05:45Original Manual from 1944
  12. 06:00Radio Transmitting Equipment RC 186 T1X Manual
  13. 06:16Guiding the AZON Guided Bomb
  14. 06:27System Components: BC-1158 and FT-499 Mounting
  15. 06:48Dynamotor PE-186 and Control Box BC-1156A
  16. 07:08AZON: Azimuth Only Control Explained
  17. 07:33RAZON: Range and Azimuth Only Bomb
  18. 07:42Signal Corps US Army Control Box BC-1156A
  19. 08:04Aircraft Control of Bomb in Flight
  20. 08:16AZON Use in Burma and China
  21. 08:27Adaptation Kit with Control Surfaces
  22. 08:36Radio Link Control
  23. 08:42M65 1,000 lb Bomb Body
  24. 08:55Assembled AZON Bombs in Action
  25. 09:00Deadly Accuracy of Radio Controlled AZON Bombs
  26. 09:09Tong Goop Road Bridge Attack in Burma
  27. 09:25Returning to the Manual
  28. 09:33Photograph of BC-1158
  29. 09:46Control Box Functions
  30. 10:02AZON: Lateral Movement Control
  31. 10:15Joystick Movement Limitations
  32. 10:31Dynamotor Function
  33. 10:37Antennas for Radio Signals
  34. 10:42Wiring Diagrams
  35. 11:09Rare 1944 Manual
  36. 11:14Unboxing Conclusion
  37. 11:33Adaptation Kit Plans
  38. 11:37US Air Force Museum Visit
  39. 12:03Recreating the AZON Bomb
  40. 12:09Displaying Control Equipment
  41. 12:20Allies' First Effective Precision Guided Bomb
  42. 12:27RAZON Bomb Tail Assembly
  43. 12:32Radio Receiver and Gyro Stabilizer
  44. 12:36Flare for Bomb Tracking
  45. 12:48Operator's Control Stick Adjustments
  46. 12:54Bomber Aircraft Radio Antenna
  47. 13:03RAZON Bomb Run Requirements
  48. 13:13AZON vs. RAZON Combat Use
  49. 13:21First Smart Bomb Accuracy

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the AZON bomb and why was it significant?

The AZON bomb was the US military's first radio-controlled precision-guided bomb during World War II. It utilized an adaptation kit on the M65 1,000 lb bomb, allowing for remote control of its lateral movement (azimuth only) via a radio link from the bomber aircraft.

What is the BC-1158 and what was its role in the AZON system?

The BC-1158 is the radio modulator and transmitter control box used in the AZON guided bomb system. It was part of the equipment aboard the bomber aircraft that allowed the operator to send control signals to the bomb in flight.

What is the difference between the AZON and RAZON bombs?

The AZON bomb could only control its lateral movement (azimuth). The later RAZON bomb, an improvement, added the capability to control the bomb's range (distance) in addition to its azimuth, making it a more versatile precision weapon.

Why is World War II ordnance like the BC-1158 so rare today?

Much of the specialized military equipment from World War II became obsolete after the war. Consequently, vast quantities were scrapped, making surviving examples of items like the BC-1158 radio control box exceptionally rare and valuable to collectors and historians.

Related News

All News →

More General Videos You Might Like

More from Ordnance

View all →