Air Power History Best Article Award
Thomas Wildenberg’s “The A-1C Gunsight, A Case Study of Technological Innovation in the United States Air Force” has been chosen as the best article of 2009 from Air Power History magazine. This story – which appeared in the summer 2009 edition of the Foundation’s official publication (Vol. 56, No. 2) – was selected for the honor by an independent, three-member panel of judges.
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Wildenberg’s piece traces the story of the A-1C(M) lead-computing sight – the first fighter aircraft gunsight to employ radar ranging. This innovation had its roots in experimental sight development that began just after the United States entered World War II, in an effort to aid pilots during dive bombing and ground attack. The A-1C gunsight was widely used in Korea, where it received a mixed reception by the F-86 pilots who depended upon it. Many of the younger, less experienced pilots found it extremely valuable, while the veterans, particularly some aces of World War II, considered it unreliable and much too complicated – particularly its radar.
The gunsight’s introduction was an important milestone in the development of sophisticated fire control equipment for air-to-air combat. Wildenberg’s article illustrates how the radar gunsight’s development highlights a long-standing characteristic of the U.S. Air Force: the search for new and better technology that would enhance a combat aircraft’s performance and add to the Air Force’s aerial capabilities.
Wildenberg will receive an engraved plaque, a letter from the President of the Foundation and a one-year Foundation membership as part of this honor.
Download the .pdf version of this award-winning Air Power History article.
