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Aviation History
1940
1940 - 0725.PDF
MARCH 14, 1940 machine commonly used in Spain, and, what is more, carries • its • arma- • ment in efficient Breda power-driven turrets. It has been suggested that the Germans drew some false conclusions from the Spanish war and that they are developing heavier armament for their bombers at the expense of speed and manoeuvrability. For short-range work the small, fast, '' evasive '' type of bomber, which depends mainly on its speed and manoeuvrability for protection, is a practical proposition, but for long- distance operation its limitations soon become apparent. If the range is long the bomb load will be small, and there is little point in flying for very long distances if the blow delivered is not a telling one. This means that large numbers of small, fast bombers must be employed to do the work of fewer but larger machines. If the opposition is very strong this may be worth while. The classes of bombing aircraft in service to-day are more numerous than might be believed. Before examining their characteristics it will be advantageous to outline modern bombing technique, which, of course, strongly influences their design. There are three commonly used types of bombing attack : the high- altitude; high-level or "precision" method ; dive-bombing ; and the low- level attack. The first is practised by all types, though least by specialised dive-bombers. It en- tails flying at very considerable heights to minimise the chances of enemy anti-aircraft guns and making a somewhat lengthy '' run-up '' to the target on a set course, at a steady speed and constant height while the bomb sight is adjusted. The bombs, of course, are dropped some distance before the machine reaches its target. For example, a bomber flying at 300 m.p.h. at 2r,oooft. may have to release about three miles from the objective. Dive-bombing implies the release of the projectile(s) at low or medium altitude at the bottom of a steep dive on 223 Outstanding among the world's multi-purpose aircraft is the Bristol Blenheim Mark IV. Blenheims have been delivered to the R.A.F. in hundreds and are used for bombing, recon- naissance and fighting. One of the most succsssful large bombers ever built is thepowerfully armed geodetic-built Vickers Wellington (below), which, on many occasions, has distinguished itself on active service. ... .. ,.
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