''Toss Bombing'' Tactic

By Crusader1307

A Warplane (Fighter Bomber) tactic devised after World War II, “Toss Bombing” (or Low Altitude Bomb Delivery) involved a highly stylized and skilled ability to position a Fighter Bomber in such a way (vertical positioning), that upon launching or deploying it's Bomb or Missile – additional height, speed and positioning can be achieved, often directly “over” a target. The tactic further allows a Fighter Bomber to not be directly over or near (indirect) it's target. Gravity is used to compensate for Bomb drift (often at also increasing it's velocity). A “Cold War” tactic used by 1st and 2nd Generation Fighter Jets and their supportive Air To Ground Missile Systems, it took many hours of Flight Training to accomplish the necessary “angle of attack” and release needed. It could only be accomplished by Fighter Bombers capable of “sub-sonic” speeds. The use of “Toss Bombing” was also seen as an effective counter measure in the deployment of various low to moderate yield Air Launched Nuclear Devices. The tactic provided maximum protection to the Fighter Bomber from blast and radiation. “Toss” Bombing is frequently broken down into (4) distinct categories. “Pop” Up, Level Toss, Dive Toss and “Over The Shoulder”. Each involved a radical vertical positioning of an Aircraft and a “snap” release or activation of secondary Missile ignition Systems. The tactic was not effective against Enemy Surface to Air Missile Systems (SAMs), due to the angle of launch was to step for The “Toss” Tactic to be used. Many modern 2nd and 3rd Generation Fighters were given “Toss” Computer Systems to help achieve proper positioning and deployment of the tactic. This was a standard component in Fighter Bombers by 1972. Although the theory of “Toss” Bombing is still taught – advances in weapons technology have by and large discontinued the tactic.