Starfighter Combat - Bombing Techniques
You'll need to become a proficient bombardier if you want to succeed in your role as an Army support pilot. Learn how to evade and avoid the deadly surface-to-air missiles and radar with two different bombing techniques.
If air-to-air combat can be described as an art, then air-to-ground bombing is more a science. Get the proper angle and proper altitude, put the pipper (sight) on the target, and hit the bomb release.
Actual bombing runs are very precise, with dive angle, airspeed, and altitude all predetermined by the type of ordnance you're dropping. A little too fast and your load lands long; too slow and you come up short.
There are two basic techniques you can attempt when on a bombing run. Whichever you choose, start your run at 100 percent power. Rapid maneuvering to avoid surface-to-air missiles or enemy fighters can use precious energy. When you're delivering bombs at 2000 feet you can't afford to let your energy level get low. A stall at low altitude can mean the end of your mission.
During any bomb run, keep an eye out for enemy fighters. Should one appear while you're on your approach, immediately arm and fire a medium-range missile. This will keep the enemy fighter busy and let you complete your run.
