The Most Accurate Bomber In WW2

Bombing accuracy is a complex topic, with few direct comparisons. However, Operation Crossbow, the Allied campaign to bomb V1 rocket launch sites in France, provides valuable insight into the performance of different bombers.

The Contenders

The least effective bombers were the British Heavies. These aircraft, designed for area bombing, struggled to hit small targets like V1 launch sites. Despite dropping 3,500 tons of bombs, they failed to achieve any significant damage.

Next were the B-24 Liberators, which destroyed five launch sites after dropping 401.4 tons of bombs—an improvement, but still not particularly efficient. B-17 Flying Fortresses performed better, taking out 30 sites with 195.1 tons per strike, though they also caused considerable collateral damage.

U.S. medium bombers, like the B-25 Mitchells and Martin B6 Marauders, showed mixed results. The Mitchells knocked out 10.5 sites, using 244 tons per strike, while the Marauders destroyed 26 sites with 223 tons per strike. A-20 Havocs required 313 tons for each successful strike, making them less efficient.

The Mosquito and P-47 Thunderbolt

The British Mosquito proved far more effective, destroying 19.5 ski sites with just 39.8 tons of bombs per strike. Even the Spitfire performed admirably, requiring 50.3 tons per strike.

However, the standout performer was the P-47 Thunderbolt. In Operation Crossbow, four Thunderbolts—each carrying two 1,000-pound bombs—achieved three direct hits on V1 sites with just 1.33 tons of bombs per destroyed target. Despite facing intense ground fire, no Thunderbolts were lost.

Why the Thunderbolt?

The Thunderbolt’s success was due to several factors. Its pilots had confidence in the aircraft’s durability, knowing it could take hits and still return home.

The R-2800 engine was known for its toughness, and the airframe was highly resilient, with the pilot protected by armor, self-sealing fuel tanks, and other safeguards. This allowed Thunderbolt pilots to make stabilized bomb runs, even under fire, making it the most accurate bomber in Operation Crossbow.

The P-47 Thunderbolt’s combination of durability and precision made it the clear winner in terms of bombing accuracy during the operation.