The Norden Bomb Sight manual

INTRODUCT-

TON

SECTION X

CALIBRATION

If it were possible to single out any weapon

of war as the most vital for victory, doubtless

the airplane would be chosen. And the

bombardment

the central position in' any

force. The fighter planes exist largely to afford

protection to our bombers when on a mission or to

intercept enemy bombers when they are directed

Therefore the

fighter is auxiliary

The reconnaisance plane almost en-

tirely devotes itself to obtaining information for

use in future bombing missions or information as

to the effectiveness of

past bombing missions.

It is true that airplanes other than bombers are

used for direct attacks upon enemy

troops or in-

stallations and

for obtaining

intormation which

has no relation to a bombing mission.

But these

planes constitute only a small percentage of an air

force.

The bomber exists to drop bombs.

The bomb-

sight is the instrument by which it is enabled to

do so with

any degree of accuracy.

Not only does

the bomber exist to engage in

accurate bombing,

but every man of her combat

her ground

crew were trained toward the end that she may be

enabled to drop bombs accurately.

And, of course

the accuracy and operation of the bombsight depend

directly upon the effectiveness of the bombsight

maintenance man.

so many lives, so much

training, so much valuable equipment,

and even

victory itself at

stake,

the bombsight man should

constantly appreciate the vital

part he is called

upon to play.

It may well be that faulty work on his part

may result in nullifying the entire mission and

even in loss of the bomber and her crew.

a bomber is attacking

an enemy ship and misses

with her

first bomb release, on her second try

she may be shot down.

No American soldier wants to

think he could be

responsible for such a disaster.

Conscientious application

to his work will make it

unnecessary for

his mind ever to dweli upon such

a thought,

make

for it is possible on every mission to

certain the bombsight will function and will

function

occupies

against

us.

to

the

bomber.

Thus

if