Ohio's Aviation Heritage Tour: Kettering “Bug”

DAYTON, OH, UNITED STATES

12.05.2013

Audio by NMUSAF PA 

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Next, move so that you are standing in front of the Kettering “Bug.”

Ohioan Charles Kettering was an inventor, engineer, businessman and the holder of more than 180 patents. In addition to the spark plug and the electric cash register, one of Kettering’s many innovations was the Kettering Aerial Torpedo, like this full-size replica built by museum personnel. Developed in 1917 and nicknamed the “Bug,” this torpedo was launched from a four-wheeled dolly that ran down a portable track. The Bug’s system of internal pre-set pneumatic and electrical controls stabilized and guided it toward a target, and after a predetermined length of time, a control closed an electrical circuit, which shut off the engine. Then, the wings were released, causing the Bug to plunge to earth — where its 180 pounds of explosives detonated on impact. The war ended before it could be tested in combat.

• Date Taken: 12.05.2013
• Date Posted: 07.30.2015 11:54
• Category: Recording
• Audio ID: 41626
• Filename: 1507/DOD_102629251.mp3
• Length: 00:01:02
• Album: Ohio's Aviation Heritage Tour
• Track #: 09
• Location: DAYTON, OH, US