bombsight

[ bom-sahyt ]

noun

, Military.

1. (in an aircraft) an instrument for aiming bombs at a target, especially a device that can assume complete control of the aircraft during a bombing run, can automatically compensate for speed, winds, etc., and can guide the release of bombs for maximum accuracy in striking the target.

bombsight

/ ˈbɒmˌsaɪt /

noun

1. a mechanical or electronic device in an aircraft for aiming bombs

Word History and Origins

Origin of bombsight¹

First recorded in 1915–20; bomb + sight

Example Sentences

Britain’s Bomber Command was, however, unimpressed by the Norden bombsight and, after its own failed attempts to hit industrial and port targets, skeptical about precision bombing.

From Washington Post

The raids resulted in large aircraft losses and highlighted defects in the Norden bombsight — it was complex to operate and, being dependent on visual target sighting, ineffective in bad weather.

From Washington Post

Neither, staring through his bombsight, could bombardier Umphress.

From The Daily Beast