Formation Bombing

[TimSell75]

Hello, I have some questions ragarding level bombing when flying in a formation and hope somebody can answer them.

 

1. When I am flying as part of a formation (not the leader) I will just drop my bombs when my leader gives the command to drop bombs. I am not doing the aiming via bombsight myself, correct?

2. When I am the leader of a flight, I will do all the calculations via bombsight and release the bombs when ready. What is the command to my fellow pilots to release their bombs simultaneously then?

 

Thanks a lot in advance!

[KG100_Brannon]

1.   No, you are not aiming via the bombsight as you are in a bomber formation.  You drop your bombs when the lead ship drops their bomb load.  Just keep your eyes on the lead ship and do what they do visually.

 

2.   Give the command to open bomb bay doors as a group based on your sight picture of the target approaching.  The Group should all have their bomb bay doors OPEN on your command.  Once you are about to drop on the target, give the command..."Steady....Steady....DROP !".  Close your bomb bay doors as a group once your bombs impact the target and you are clear of the target area.  Leave the target area and head to your next way point then eventually home.  Hope that helps.

Edited February 5, 2021 by 174Sqn_Brannon