bombsights
Aerial targeting instruments
Bombsights are devices used in aircraft to aim bombs accurately at ground targets.
They calculate the release point by factoring in altitude, airspeed, and wind conditions.
During World War II, the Norden bombsight was classified military technology, credited with enabling precision bombing: The bombardier adjusted the bombsight as they approached the target.
Intersecting sighting lines
- reticleOptical sighting pattern
- targetObject of pursuit
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
- aimpointIntended point of impact
zeroing · calibration · optics · rangefinder · stabilization · gyroscope · drift · windage
Plane's payload releaser
- aircraftAirborne transportation vehicle
- altitudeMeasured height above reference
- airspeedAircraft's atmospheric velocity
- dropzoneAerial delivery target area
payload · formation · sortie · flak · antiaircraft · evasive · groundspeed · heading
Second global military conflict
- SperryBoat shoe manufacturer
- Enola GayHistoric atomic bomber
- HiroshimaFirst nuclear-struck city
- dambustersWWII bouncing-bomb squadron
Manhattan Project · classified · secrecy · innovation · wartime · legacy · museum
Processing data mathematically
- analog computerCalculator using continuous variables
- gyroscopeSpinning disc measuring orientation
- stabilizerThing ensuring steadiness
- opticsScience of illumination
lens · mirror · mechanical · electrical · radar · synchronization · automation · toggle
crosshairs
Intersecting sighting lines
aimpoint · zeroing · calibration · optics · rangefinder · stabilization · gyroscope · drift · windage · elevation
bombardier
Plane's payload releaser
- aircraftAirborne transportation vehicle
- altitudeMeasured height above reference
- airspeedAircraft's atmospheric velocity
dropzone · payload · formation · sortie · flak · antiaircraft · evasive · groundspeed · heading · approach
World War II
Second global military conflict
dambusters · Manhattan Project · classified · secrecy · innovation · wartime · legacy · museum
computing
Processing data mathematically
- analog computerCalculator using continuous variables
- gyroscopeSpinning disc measuring orientation
- stabilizerThing ensuring steadiness
optics · lens · mirror · mechanical · electrical · radar · synchronization · automation · toggle · clutch
ordnance
Military weapons collectively
- munitionsMilitary weapons and ammunition
- bombsExplosive munitions dropped
- payloadCarried freight or charge
military · combat · mission · strategic · tactical · collateral · destruction · campaign · theater · enemy
bombsightsbomb shelters
Reinforced underground protective structures
missile defense systems · defensive systems · early warning systems · air raid sirens · air defense systems