Summary: Description of tests carried out at Eglin Field, Florida to determine the best method of aerial attack against "Crossbow targets" (V1 rocket bases) in France.
Description:(Reel 1) Diagrams show the ski-site installations "probably intended for jet-propelled pilotless aircraft with explosive or incendiary warheads". Detailed perspective drawings of these installations, code-named Crossbow targets and based on reconnaissance photos, are made. Subsequently, demolition tests are authorised at Eglin Fields, where various exact-scale duplications of the French sites are constructed over a period of just twelve days, prior to the commencement of the tests in February 1944. Designated as Targets A to J (all of which are detailed in the film) these range from camouflaged and uncamouflaged sites; the buildings are constructed either from wood (as "dummy targets") or from concrete. Targets A to C are replicas of the entire site, Targets D to J of selected buildings and structures. (Reel 2) Crews are briefed for the missions and Phase 1 of the tests against Targets A, B and C are carried out, followed by Phase 2, which includes the effect of enemy smokescreens on the effectiveness of the bombing runs. Test results obtained from different planes (Boeing B-17, Martin B-26 Marauder, Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Republic P-47 Thunderbolt) at different altitudes show that real and dummy sites can be distinguished, and that different angles of attack and different types of plane should be used according to the defence and camouflage of the target and that most bombs either fail to penetrate a building with 30-inch concrete walls or fail to damage the equipment inside. Bombs used in the tests include 100 lb practice bomb, 500 lb and 1000 lb general purpose and semi armour piercing, 1600 lb armour piercing, 12000 lb high explosive, incendiary and fragmentation bombs and glide and control bombs GB1 and GB4. Delivery of these bombs is filmed in slow motion. (Reel 3) Phase 3 of the programme, Penetration and Demolition, is watched by USAAF General H Arnold, RAF Air Marshal Bottomley and Brigadier-General G Gardner, in command of the Army Air Force Proving Ground at Eglin Field; bombs used include 75mm shells, British 3-inch semi-armour piercing bombs and 500 lb GP bombs. Aerial and ground shots show the extent of the destruction (shots of impact on some of the concrete structures are also shown). Final report and conclusions are given in detail.
