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Me-410 has the best bombing accuracy (it could dive bomb). Good armor protection vs AA fire, range and survivability vs enemy fighter aircraft.best complete package (payload over distance, performance with bomb load, reasonable ability to survive vs. fighters AAA, ability to attack different targets, etc),
Why does this matter? Pathfinder aircraft are the only light/medium bombers that have any business above 20,000 feet.
A26 Invader without a doubt still flying combat missions in the 70`s which certainly surpasses Mosquito
A price that must be paid if you want to hit the target with iron bombs. That's why the Me-410 and Ju-88 could dive bomb.
But it did fly missions 11000+ , and as for Viet Nam there was always the Skyraider but I'd take the A26 over any Mosquito a far better aircraft with a better engine that once again is still in use today which cannot be said of the MerlinIt wasn't flying combat missions continuously in that period. And it wasn't operating as a bomber so much as ground attack/coin aircraft.
It only flew in Vietnam because the USAF discovered that they had failed to field an appropriate aircraft for the role. So the A-26 filled in.
That 8000 feet plus that he held on to the bomb added no velocity to the bombs fall, any bomb will fall faster than a aircraft, unless it's retarded with a parachute or retarding fins. He held on to it down to 900 for accuracy only.23 Sep 1941.
Hans Rudel approached Kronstadt harbor @ 9,000 feet in a Ju-87 dive bomber. He released his 1,000kg bomb @ 900 feet and leveled out @ 12 feet above the ocean. His 1,000kg bomb detonated in the forward magazine of the battleship Marat which broke in half and sank.
Based on the historical evidence I think 9,000 feet provides plenty of penetration.