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Standard Operational Procedures for
No. 122 Wing RAF Jever
                                  RESTRICTED.                  Page 42

                           ATTACKING LARGE BOMBERS.

Range Estimation.

     It will be too easy to fire outside 700 yards unless you approach the
problem scientifically. The frighten fartless method will not work, everyone
will be at 1500 yards. The wingspan are very large and are of little use
with normal ranging.

     The tailplane sizes of these aircraft are of great help to us; they
are comparable to Hunter size, and are easier to range on than miles apart
wingtips.

     The difficulty of tracking the centre section and ranging on the tail-
plane will not be too difficult as angles off will not be high.


     Ignore the wingtips and the height of the fin as much as possible.

     Use the visual range drum and radar lights as guides to your range
above all else. You have to be scientific not gash.

     Angle off on these aircraft is really essential. With 5° you will
avoid the slipstream and debris and at the same time complicate the problem
of his radar controlled guns. Use vertical angle off as well.

Ammunition Considerations.

     Assuming your target is at .9 and you are at .95 you can fire off all
your 7 seconds worth of ammo, in closing from 800 yards to 710 yards should
you open fire too early. In one second you can fire 80 high explosive shells,
a good accurate close range burst will have spectacular effect and still
leave you much-needed ammunition.

     Firing four guns at altitude slows you quickly from .95 i.e. an out of
range shot will put you further out.

     .05M closing speed is about 30 m.p.h. In the time it takes you to close
from 5 miles astern, he gill have travelled 100 miles on his way - a lot.
Plan interceptions to bring you straight into firing range.

     Although the target will be colossal at close range, still range and
track accurately so you really hit him hard.

Conclusion.

     The problem is extremely difficult, but careful scientific and cold-
blooded thought in the face of numrous distractions while you make your
attack will pay off - anything else will guarantee a miss.


                                  RESTRICTED.
(Thanks to Chris Stone for being the Technical Advisor for this series.)
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