Bombardier (aircrew)

"Bomb aimer" was the preferred term in the military forces of the Commonwealth, while "bombardier" (from the French word for "bomb thrower" and similar in meaning to "grenadier") was the equivalent position in the United States Armed Forces.

In the latter part of the 20th century, the title of bombardier fell into disuse, due largely to changes in technology, emanating from the replacement of this manual function with the development of computerized technology and smart bombs, that has given rise to terms like weapon systems officer or combat systems officer to describe the modern role.

The equivalent in the US Navy and US Marine Corps is the naval flight officer.

In the United States, the position of bombardier was originally held by a sergeant, but they were commissioned as officers in 1941.

Commonwealth bomb aimers wore a single-wing aircrew brevet with the letter "B".