Out of all of the aircraft flown by the service, the B-2, B-52, and B-1 represent the crux of its bomber goals.
Following the US Air Force’s high-stakes air campaign in Iran, the service’s fleet of top-tier bombers has deservedly gained loads of media attention. Specifically, the B-2 “Spirit” bomber’s role in dropping 30,000-pound ordnance on two key underground nuclear facilities in Iran was truly historic. In addition to the B-2, over 125 aircraft including F-35s, F-22s, air-refueling tankers, and intelligence platforms took part in Operation Midnight Hammer. While the Spirit has earned its top-notch reputation, its fellow bomber brethren should also be recognized for the power they bring to the Air Force. Out of all of the aircraft flown by the service, the B-2, B-52, and B-1 represent the crux of its bomber goals.
The B-2 Spirit
With its futuristic flying-wing design, the B-2 “Spirit” is arguably the most recognizable bomber in the Air Force’s arsenal. The heavy strategic bomber was designed with low-observable stealth technology in order to be effective in penetrating even the most advanced anti-aircraft defenses. Considering Iran never saw the B-2s responsible for bombing its nuclear facilities in Operation Midnight Hammer, the Spirits’ stealth is clearly cutting-edge. Northrop Grumman, along with Boeing, Hughes, and Vought, developed the Spirit for the Air Force in the late 1990s. Able to carry up to 40,000 pounds of weaponry within its two separate weapons bays, the Spirit can pack a punch unlike any other. Notably, the Spirit can launch the giant bunker-busting bombs, which were used to wreak havoc on Iran’s nuclear-related assets.
The B-52 Stratofortress
The Air Force’s B-52 “Stratofortress” fleet has remained a cornerstone of the service’s bombing arsenal since the post-World War II era. While this long-range, subsonic aircraft is old, frequent upgrades incorporated into the platform have allowed it to remain a formidable asset for the service. In fact, the B-52 is set to continue serving into the mid-21st century, meaning it might pass the century mark before it is finally retired. The bomber is capable of lugging up to 70,000 pounds of ordnance, making it an incredibly lethal asset to the Air Force. To emphasize its armament power, the B-52 can drop the largest variety of weapons in the US inventory. The latest B-52J iteration will host newer technologies like the active electronically scanned array radar in order for it to retain an edge over near-peer competitors.
The B-1 Lancer
Last but certainly not least is the B-1 “Lancer” bomber. The supersonic variable-sweep wing heavy bomber has flown for the Air Force for more than four decades. Equipped with three internal weapon bays and six external hardpoints, the Lancer can lug a total ordnance load of 75,000 pounds internally. As detailed by Air Force Technology, “The B-1B weapons payload include 24 GBU-31 joint direct attack munition (JDAM) at one time or a combination of 24 mk84 2,000lb general purpose bombs, eight mk65 naval mines, 84 mk82 500lb general purpose bombs,” in addition to many other munitions. Notably, the Lancer has held nearly 50 world records for payload, range, speed, and time of climb in its class.
About the Author: Maya Carlin
Maya Carlin, National Security Writer with The National Interest, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin. Carlin has over 1,000 articles published over the last several years on various defense issues.
Image: DVIDS.
