Bombardier (air force)

A bombardier (French for "bomberman"), in the United States Army Air Forces and United States Air Force, or a bomb aimer, in the Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth air forces, was the crew member of a bomber responsible for assisting the navigator in guiding the plane to a bombing target and releasing the aircraft's bomb load. In the modern age, the position has fallen into disuse due to a rise of computer technology and smart bombs.

In the United States, the position of bombardier was held by an officer. In the Commonwealth, one could be an officer or (more frequently) a senior non-commissioned officer. During World War II, US Army Air Force bombardiers were recognized with the award of the Bombardier Badge.

Cultural references

* The principal character Yossarian in the novel "Catch-22" and in the film of the same name serves as a B-25 bombardier during World War II