How much did the Norden bombsight cost?

The Norden bombsight, one of the United States’ most secret weapons during World War II, is now being sold by a mail‐order house for $24.50. Twenty years ago, when it was used during the massive bombing raids on Germany and later in the atomic attacks on Japan, Norden bombsights were worth about $25,000 each.

Did the RAF use the Norden bombsight?

This problem seriously upset the usefulness of the Norden, and led the RAF to reject it once they received examples in 1942. Some versions included a system that quickly righted the platform, but this “Automatic Gyro Leveling Device” proved to be a maintenance problem, and was removed from later examples.

How far did the Combined Bomber Offensive achieve its aims?

In these 16 raids the RAF destroyed around 4,500 acres (18 km²) of Berlin for the loss of 300 aircraft. Harris had planned to reduce most of the city to rubble, break German morale and so win the war.

What was the purpose of the RAF Bomber Command?

RAF Bomber Command During The Second World War. The Royal Air Force’s (RAF) bombing offensive against Nazi Germany was one of the longest, most expensive and controversial of the Allied campaigns during the Second World War. Its aim was to severely weaken Germany’s ability to fight, which was central to the Allies’ strategy for winning the war.

Why did the RAF switch from daylight bombing to night bombing?

This switch to night bombing reduced the losses experienced during daylight operations, but it also inevitably meant that bombing accuracy was decreased. Nevertheless, the Royal Air Force (RAF) was confident that it was effectively striking its targets.

How effective was the Royal Air Force (RAF) in WW2?

Nevertheless, the Royal Air Force (RAF) was confident that it was effectively striking its targets. The British bombing campaign continued into 1941 with increasing numbers and sizes of raids using twin-engine bombers such as the Wellington, Hampton, and Whitley, as well as the first of the four-engine British bombers, the Short Stirling.

Did Bomber Command do raids at night in 1939?

Daylight operations by the aircraft of Bomber Command were limited throughout the remainder of 1939, and by the spring of 1940 most bombing raids were being carried out at night. RAF Bomber Command 1940 Vickers Wellington Mk IC bombers of No. 149 Squadron in flight, circa August 1940.