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Aviation History
1933
1933 - 1267.PDF
FLIGHT, DECEMBER 21, 1933 A BOMBING TARGET : Bombing targets are laid well out to sea, but when this photograph was taken the tide had gone out. A practice bomb is bursting near the target—quite a good shot. (FLIGHT Photo.) Bombing Practice On this area of sand there are three bombing targets and 10 targets for air firing. Two of the former are used for sub-calibre bombing, and one for live bombing. Sub- calibre bombing means using 11J lb. practice bombs, and it is carried out from various heights up to 14,000 ft. Standard bombs are used for the live bombing, and their types vary according to the type of aeroplane which is carrying out the practice. The larger sizes of bombs are filled with sand instead of with high explosive, so as not to disturb the equanimity of the natives. The sub-calibre bombing targets which are shown in our photographs are triangular wooden frames with sides 64 in. long, and in the centre is a basket mounted on a pole. These targets are about 1,000 yards out from the beach. The most southerly target can be illuminated at night, for the night bombers from Catfoss come over at times on long-distance tactical exercises. This target is lit up at night electric ally, the switch being put on by a solenium cell when the light fades. The marking is done at night by a quadrant and also by photograph. The target for live bombing is a ring buoy, and is situated farther out from the beach. The marking or scoring is done by quadrant spotters, and there are five quadrants on the coast. By taking bearings on the explosion from two different points, the fall of the bomb can be plotted out quickly and accurately. The camp is 12 miles away from the range, so eight N.C.O.'s and 24 GUNNERY TARGETS : The " Gordon " is flying past the line of ground targets (which are covered with old aeroplane fabric) and the rear gunner is firing at target No. 4. (FLIGHT PhOtO.) men live down by the range in huts, while an officer goes out to the range every day. After a bombing practice, the results are rapidly plotted, and are available at the camp before the pilot lands. Then his practice is discussed with him while every release is fresh in his memory, and he can give reasons for everything he did and see for himself whether the result was a success or not. This is con sidered a very important point. It would be little use to discuss a practice a long time after, when the pilot had forgotten all about it. There are usually two squadrons at the camp at one time, but sometimes only one. The period of the stay varies, according to the type of aircraft, but the usual period is about a month. The programme of bombing and air firing is drawn up by the Air Ministry. This pro gramme includes some long-distance raids, and the day bombers from North Coates Fifties return by day the visits which the night bombers from Catfoss pay them by night. 1281
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