What is norden bombsight?

The <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Norden%20bombsight">Norden bombsight</a> was a highly complex and secret bombsight used by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) and the United States Navy during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. It was designed to significantly increase the accuracy of aerial bombing.

• Principle of Operation: The <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Norden%20bombsight">Norden bombsight</a> operated by using a combination of mechanical and optical components to calculate the precise moment to release bombs from an aircraft. It automatically compensated for the aircraft's airspeed, altitude, and wind conditions. The key component was a gyroscope that stabilized the line of sight.

• Secrecy: The device was shrouded in immense secrecy. Bombardiers were required to swear an oath to protect its secrets, and the bombsight was always transported in locked containers with armed guards. The belief was that its technology would give the United States a decisive advantage.

• Accuracy: While the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Norden%20bombsight">Norden bombsight</a> was touted as being able to "drop a bomb into a pickle barrel from 20,000 feet," its actual performance in combat was often less impressive due to factors such as weather, turbulence, and defensive enemy fire. Despite these limitations, it still improved bombing accuracy compared to earlier methods.

• Limitations: The <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Norden%20bombsight">Norden bombsight</a> required a long, straight, and level bombing run, making bombers vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire. Its effectiveness was also severely hampered by cloud cover. Furthermore, the complexity of the device made it difficult to maintain and operate.

• Obsolescence: The <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Norden%20bombsight">Norden bombsight</a> was eventually rendered obsolete by the development of more advanced technologies, such as radar bombing systems and guided missiles.