a precision of fifty meters from an altitude of four thousand six hundred meters. the idea was to be able to bomb from altitudes beyond the reach of german flak. but the reality was different. the northern wasn't always as accurate as talented and it was susceptible to a variety of influences including bad weather that limited the nortons usefulness. moreover the u.s. air force had hoped to be seventeen's would be able to fly missions without armed escorts. that proved to be a miscalculation. in just three months the eighth air force lost more than three hundred brand new