The GT-1 (Glide Torpedo 1) was an early form of missile developed by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Intended to deliver an aerial torpedo at a safe range from the launching aircraft, the weapon proved successful enough in testing to be approved for operational use, and the GT-1 saw limited use in the closing stages of the war.

The GT-1 was derived from the GB-1 series of glide bombs, developed by Aeronca for the United States Army Air Forces. The weapon's airframe was inexpensive and simply designed, with a basic wing and twin tails attached to a cradle for carrying the payload. The flight path of the GT-1 was determined by a preset autopilot that kept the weapon on a steady course after release.

The GT-1 was usually released from its carrier aircraft at an altitude of 10,000 feet (3,000 m); this provided a standoff range of as much as 25 miles (40 km) under ideal conditions. The GT-1's warload consisted of a Mark 13 Mod 2A aerial torpedo. The GT-1 was fitted with a paravane, trailing 20 feet (6.1 m) below the main body of the craft; upon the paravane's striking the surface of the water, explosive bolts would fire to release the torpedo, which would then execute a preset search pattern to locate and destroy its target.

" The First Provisional Glide Torpedo Squadron was formed to test the concept in actual combat. This squadron was assigned to the 41st Bombardment Group. This unit was issued with several B-25J-1s that were specially modified to carry the glide torpedo underneath the fuselage. The glide torpedo was taken into action for the first time on July 31, 1945 in an attack on shipping targets in Sasebo Harbor, Kyushu. Another attack was made on August 1 against targets in Nagasaki harbor.

Since the torpedoes had been released from distances as far as twelve miles from the target, with breakaway being made immediately thereafter, it was difficult to determine if any significant damage was actually done in these attacks. It was concluded that it would be necessary in the future for reconnaissance aircraft to accompany the B-25s on these missions to determine if they were effective. However, the war in the Pacific ended before any further glide torpedo missions could be carried out. "
On one mission, against Kagoshima, eleven of thirteen GT-1s launched successfully entered the water; three hits were recorded, against a fleet carrier, a light carrier, and a freighter.(claimed ?)



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