Mark XIV bomb sight
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The Mark XIV bomb sight was an improved bomb sight used for area bombing introduced into operational service by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1942 during World War II. The Mark XIV was also know as the "Blackett bomb sight" after Patrick Blackett the person who invented it[1].
After its initial development and introduction into service, the United States took over the manufacturing of it for the RAF. The task was contracted out to the Sperry Gyroscope Company, who re-engineering it to meet American standards, and sub-contracted the manufacturing to A.C. Spark Plug, a division of General Motors. Although re-engineered it was fully compatible with the original Blackett design.[2]
A total of 23,000 were made for use in the RAF and Commonwealth airforces by the Americans. This version was designated as the "T1". It was followed by a number of other marks:[2]
- T1A was designed for use in the faster higher flying de Havilland Mosquito;
- T2 and T4 were the result of further development, and were manufactured post war in Britain for use with Green Satin radar.
[edit] See also
- Norden Bombsight a similar vintage USAAF bomb sight
- Stabilizing Automatic Bomb Sight a contemporary bomb sight used for precision bombing by the RAF
[edit] References and notes
- ^ Anderson, Robert. Patrick Blackett in India: Military consultant and scientific intervenor, 1947–72. Part one Notes and Records of the Royal Society ISSN: 0035-9149 (Paper) 1743-0178 (Online) Issue: Volume 53, Number 2 / May 22, 1999 (Pages: 253 - 273) p.261
- ^ a b John Davidson Air-Bomber (Sorces for this site)