Discusses the planning and problems encountered in prewar and wartime research and development programs. The search for greater mobility and increased firepower is described, as well as the development of guns, rockets, and bombs.

Introduction: The ordnance task in World War II -- Origins and growth to 1919 -- The Ordnance Department, 1919-40 -- Finances and the effects of lend-lease -- Organization of the Ordnance Department, 1940-45 -- Military personnel and training -- Civilian personnel and training -- Research and development, 1919-40 -- Wartime organization and procedures in research and development -- Competition and collaboration with foreign designers -- The search for greater mobility in ground warfare -- The search for increased fire power in ground warfare: Launchers and fire control -- The search for increased fire power: Ammunition -- The development of better protection -- Antiaircraft defense: Ground-to-air weapons -- Aircraft armament: Weapons for air-to-air combat -- Aircraft armament: Guns and rockets for air-to-ground attack -- Bombs -- Conservation of materials -- Unresolved problems of research and development -- Bibliographical Note -- List of Abbreviations -- Index.