The Problem with Bombing
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One of the most commonly used strategies to weaken the Nazi's stronghold in the European theater was to bomb. Most of the planes bombing the European Theater were B-17 Flying Fortress bombers, equipped with several .50 cal/M2 machine gun turrets. The machine guns, however had rater unsatisfactory protection against the German fighter/interception aircraft, such as the Messerschmitt BF 109, Me 262, and the Focke-Wulf 190. The BF-109 was fast, deadly, and heavily armed, and the Me 262 had several new advantages as well, including its armaments and the fact that it was the first fighter jet put to use.
Fortunately, the Me 262 was not used until the end of the war, although it did have revolutionary technology, such as a better air frame and newly-invented jet engines, which enabled it to go 500+ MPH. However, since the B-17 was hallow on the inside compared to modern bombing aircraft, it could take many hits in the fuselage. German interception pilots would attack in groups, and would focus on one aircraft at a time. Bombing missions were flown almost daily, and some bomber groups were expected to have a 50% loss/casualty rate per mission during the midst of the war.
Fortunately, the Me 262 was not used until the end of the war, although it did have revolutionary technology, such as a better air frame and newly-invented jet engines, which enabled it to go 500+ MPH. However, since the B-17 was hallow on the inside compared to modern bombing aircraft, it could take many hits in the fuselage. German interception pilots would attack in groups, and would focus on one aircraft at a time. Bombing missions were flown almost daily, and some bomber groups were expected to have a 50% loss/casualty rate per mission during the midst of the war.
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At this point, the American bombers needed an effective fighter escort. The usage of fighter escorts greatly increased the protection of bomber aircraft and helped minimize aircraft loss due to enemy fighter planes. Soon, the 332nd Fighter Group escorted bomber groups, like many others did, and became known for their high reputation of loosing very few aircraft, proving blacks could use sophisticated aircraft of the day. Tuskegee airmen of the 332nd fighter squadron became famous for flying the famous P-51D Mustang with their tails painted red. This is were the nickname, Red Tails, came from.