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This book is the first detailed volume to cover the famous Norden
Bombsight (NBS) which was one of the most secret weapons used before and
during World War II by the United States in its bomber aircraft.
Development of the NBS was started in 1922 by the Navy Bureau of
Ordnance, and in 1932 the famous Mark XV was introduced. Configuration
of the NBS, except for changes, remained static through its life, and
its accuracy during Allied bombing runs made it one of the most
important technical developments of the war. Later several attachments
were devised to make it more accurate - new optics were developed,
ballistic charts updated, and electrical engineering methods refined
with the aid of research centers. Electronics were first used in the C-1
auto pilot in 1941, and radar was also used with the NBS, and it was
also used in the first guided bombs, called AZON/RAZON, the forerunner
of the guided missile. The NBS was again called to duty in 1967-68 in
the Vietnam war, before it was phased out of the inventory. This is its
complete story.
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