World War II Bomber

avro lancaster 22,000-pound (10,000 kg) grand slam bomb, 1945.

with engine power major limitation, combined desire accuracy , other operational factors, bomber designs tended tailored specific roles. start of war included:

dive bomber — specially strengthened vertical diving attacks greater accuracy.
light bomber, medium bomber , heavy bomber — subjective definitions based on size.
torpedo bomber — specialized aircraft armed torpedoes.
ground attack aircraft — aircraft used against targets on battlefield such troop or tank concentrations.
night bomber — specially equipped operate @ night when opposing defences limited.
maritime patrol — long range bombers used against enemy shipping, particularly submarines.

bombers not intended attack other aircraft although fitted defensive weapons. world war ii saw beginning of widespread use of high speed bombers dispensed defensive weapons able attain higher speed, such de havilland mosquito, philosophy continued many cold war bombers.

some smaller designs have been used basis night fighters, , number of fighters, such hawker hurricane used ground attack aircraft, replacing earlier conventional light bombers proved unable defend while carrying useful bomb load.