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J.B. No.349 4.

Ability to hit the target vessel with the projectile carried.

14. The number of dummy bombs which actually hit the target during the experiment with the ex-IOWA was a very small percentage of those dropped. Other experiments, however, showed that it is not necessary to make direct hits on naval vessels to put them out of action or to sink them, provided the bombs drop sufficiently close to the vessel and the explosive charge is sufficiently large to produce a mine effect of such proportions as to destroy the water-tight integrity of the vessel beyond the control of its personnel and pumps. The effective target for the bomb being, therefore, greater than the dock area of who target vessel, the percentage of effective bombs would be greater than the percentage of actual hits. 

15. Inasmuch as those experiments were not conducted under battle conditions it is difficult to draw conclusions as to the probability of hitting a target with bombs from aircraft while in action. Under the favorable conditions existing during the experiments - namely, stationary, or practically stationary, target, immunity from enemy interference and excellent visibility and flying conditions, the percentage of hits was greatly in excess of that to be expected under battle conditions.

16. The probability of hitting will be reduced in the case of a target moving at high speed on varying courses; further reducing if the target vessel is protected by effective anti-aircraft armament; and practically negligible if the target is protected by effective pursuit planes. On the other hand the probability of hitting will be increased by more efficient sighting and bomb-dropping control apparatus, by further training and further development of aerial tactics.

17. In the present state of anti-aircraft defense it is believed that, if an air force can obtain the mastery of the air, and effective percentage of hits can be obtained against surface vessels coming within the radius of action of bombing planes without an undue percentage of loss of aircraft. Anti-aircraft armament is in an early stage of development. The history of war indicated that means of defense develops rapidly to meet the development of offensive weapons. The effectiveness of the bomb carried by aircraft emphasizes the necessity for the rapid development of anti-aircraft armament and for the provision of pursuit planes as a part of the fleet.