What is combat box formation?

What is combat box formation?

The combat box was a tactical formation used by heavy (strategic) bombers of the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. ... Its defensive purpose was in massing the firepower of the bombers' guns, while offensively it concentrated the release of bombs on a target.

What is a box formation?

A formation consisting of four aircraft in a diamond shape. The member rear to the leader is called the box man.

How many B 17s are in a squadron?

The basic element of a typical formation was a squadron “box” of 9 or 12 aircraft; three squadron boxes staggered vertically and horizontally formed a group, and three groups in trail formed a combat wing.

What is formation pattern bombing?

Formations were designed to protect heavy bombers against fighter attack and to concentrate the bomb pattern on the target. These formations evolved over time to counter enemy tactics and to adjust for the increasing numbers of heavy bombers involved.

How many bombers are in a formation?

formation flying, two or more aircraft traveling and maneuvering together in a disciplined, synchronized, predetermined manner. In a tight formation, such as is typically seen at an air show, aircraft may fly less than three feet (one metre) apart and must move in complete harmony, as if they are joined together.

Why did bombers fly in formation?

Heavy bombers flew in formation because, that was the most effective tactics against the enemy flak and fighter defense. ... A 'Buncher' signal was emitted by a radion beacon around which the bombers would circle for an hour while every flight got into the air.

What is a column in the Army?

A military column is a formation of soldiers marching together in one or more files in which the file is significantly longer than the width of ranks in the formation.

Was the b24 better than the B-17?

They flew 5% less than B-17's but had 105% more fatalities and 85% more wrecks. ... Even though it had less defensive fire and high altitude speed than the B-17, the British felt that the B-24 was still superior to the German bomber. Thus, they preferred the B-24 and even named her the "Liberator".

What altitude did B-17 fly?

Over Europe the altitude typically flown by B-17 formations was 25,000 to 30,000 feet MSL. However, targets known to have weak flak were bombed a lower altitude, for example 15,000 feet over Merseburg.

How many B 17 Crews died?

Of the 3,885 crewmen aboard B-‐17 Flying Fortresses that went down, 2,114 (54.4 %) did not survive; 866 of the 1,228 on B-‐24 Liberators (71.3%) died; 190 of the 236 (80.0%) fighter pilots who went down perished.

What was the purpose of the combat box?

• The combat box was also referred to as a "staggered formation". Its defensive purpose was in massing the firepower of the bombers' guns, while offensively it concentrated the release of bombs on a target.

What is combatcombat box by Red flight?

• Combat Box by Red Flight is a multiplayer gaming server for IL2 Sturmovik. For over a year now we have been bringing a new style of gaming to the IL2 multiplayer community. The server features custom designed maps inspired by historical events during WWII, and a focus on the Western front in Europe, 1944-45.

What kind of planes fly in combat box formation?

• B-24s of the 446th Bomb Group fly in combat box formation. The first ten missions of the Eighth Air Force from England in August 1942 were shallow penetrations of France strongly supported by Royal Air Force Spitfire fighter escorts.