Radar Bomb Scoring

• Origins in WWII: Radar Bomb Scoring (RBS) began during World War II, when the U.S. Army Air Forces developed radar techniques to evaluate bomber crews’ accuracy without using live munitions. • Controlling the Cold War: RBS became a cornerstone of Strategic Air Command (SAC) training during the Cold War, ensuring crews could accurately drop nuclear bombs under any weather or visibility conditions. • Mobile Scoring Sites: RBS units often operated from mobile vans and trains—such as the famous “RBS Express”—making surprise evaluations possible and keeping crews always on alert. • Simulated Enemy Defenses: RBS sites were frequently equipped with simulated anti-aircraft artillery and radar-guided missiles, making practice missions more realistic and challenging. • Secret Site Names: Many RBS sites had code names—for example, “Badlands” (South Dakota), “Oil Burner” (Massachusetts), and “Bee Line” (Alabama)—adding an air of mystery and security. • First Electronic Scoring: The system used ground-based radar to track bombers and simulate “bomb drops,” calculating scores electronically and delivering instant feedback to crews. • Vietnam War Role: RBS crews helped train pilots for precision bombings in Vietnam, especially under poor weather or at night, using their radar guidance expertise. • ‘Oil Burner’ Routes: RBS units managed “Oil Burner” low-level training routes, where bombers practiced terrain-following at high speeds, evading radar and enemy defenses. • Civilian Impact: Many RBS sites were located near small towns, and locals often reported mysterious “ghost bombs” (sonic booms) during training exercises. • Legacy Units: Though traditional RBS is retired, the legacy continues in the 1st Combat Evaluation Group and other units, which now employ advanced electronic warfare and scoring techniques.