Research for SKYRAIDER

This study determines the effectiveness of various A-1 aircraft payloads against bridges. The optimum load, regardless of bridge type, consists of eight 500 pound bombs plus additional ordnance as permitted by radius, loading time, and weight considerations. The effects of different intervalometer settings and approach angles are also analyzed: effectiveness is reduced if long intervalometer settings are used, but is insensitive to approach angle if the optimum setting is used. Data for adjusting the effectiveness estimate to reflect variations in bridge size and delivery accuracy are also provided.