During late 1940, a proposal was made to the United States Navy outlining a concept called "Glomb", for "glider bomb". The Glomb concept called for the construction of inexpensive
gliders that would be remotely controlled from another aircraft to carry bombs to a target, thus reducing the risk to aircrew. Initial trials of Glomb involved conversions of existing gliders to remotely controlled status; these tests showed that the concept had promise and following a design competition, three companies were awarded contracts to develop operational "Glomb" aircraft. These contracts were given to
Pratt-Read,
Taylorcraft, and Piper Aircraft. Piper's design, designated LBP-1, was a conventional high-wing monoplane, fitted with
tricycle landing gear, and intended to carry of bombs. Although the LBP-1 was fully capable of being remotely piloted via its TV-and-radio guidance system, it retained a cockpit, allowing the aircraft to be flown by a pilot on board for training and evaluation. ==Operational history==