Republic-Ford JB-2
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The Republic-Ford JB-2, also known as the Thunderbug, KGW and LTV-N-2 Loon, was a United States copy of the German V-1 flying bomb. Developed in 1944, and planned to be used in the United States invasion of Japan, the JB-2 was never used in combat. It was the most successful of the United States Army Air Forces Jet Bomb (JB) projects during World War II. Postwar, the JB-2 played a significant role in the development of more advanced surface-to-surface tactical missile systems such as the MGM-1 Matador and later MGM-13 Mace.
Republic/Ford JB-2 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
The pulsejet's forward support pylon's differing shape on the original V-1 ordnance
A JB-2 being inspected by USAAF personnel at Wendover AAF, 1944.
A JB-2 being prepared for a test launch at Holloman Air Force Base in May, 1948.
V-1 flying bomb
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The V-1 flying bomb was an early cruise missile. Its official Reich Aviation Ministry (RLM) designation was Fieseler Fi 103 and its suggestive name was Höllenhund (hellhound). It was also known to the Allies as the buzz bomb or doodlebug and in Germany as Kirschkern or Maikäfer (maybug).
V-1 flying bomb
V-1 cutaway
Rear view of V-1 in IWM Duxford, showing launch ramp section
A V-1 on display in the Musée de l'Armée, Paris