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Re: RAF and dive-bombing.
I don't really see the point in this debate, nor in setting the limit on what should be considered dive-bombing. Different aircraft, different theatres demanded different techniques.
I did refer to the CFE's post-war report on tactics used by the 2nd TAF, hoping for the final word. It certainly detailed (to some degree) the methods used by Spitfire and Typhoon fighter-bombers and 'dive-bombing' was the main technique used on both types (as opposed to 'low-level bombing').
For Spits the dive angle was quoted at 60 degrees for the lead aircraft, with lesser angles for successive aircraft in the formation. Release at 3,000 feet. (Starting level was not given but approach to the target was c.5,000ft). For Typhoons, surprisingly, no figures were given, merely recommendation of 'a good steep dive' for accuracy. However many pilots have told be that 60 degrees was the norm and that seemed steep enough! They usually started about 8-12,000ft. 438 Sqn's notes for new pilots recommends 60 degrees for accuracy.
Incidentally, accuracy, if you can count APC results, was a lot better than Clostermann suggested.
CT
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