Kablam!

Discover Magazine ^ | 9/2/2010 | Phil Plait

[Sawdring]

The three panels show a 1986 test of a Tomahawk cruise missile. The missile traveled 640 km (400 mile) low over the terrain to detonate above the target, a decommissioned fighter plane. It’s pretty clear the test was a success.

[Sawdring]

Link to article: Kablam!

[Young Werther]

There is a long history of these weapons. In World War I these designs were built and tested

Kettering Aerial Torpedo 'Bug' ready for launch

The original Sperry Aerial Torpedo, 1918

These inventions would lead to better instrument panels for pilots and autopilot and navigation systems. The name Sperry is still around today!

[Sawdring]

You have to start somewhere, right? I’m sure someone was dropping stuff out of hot air balloons on a battlefield somewhere before those primitive airplanes.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Sawdring.