B52 Stratofortress
The B52 bomber is the ageing warhorse of the
United States, but still carries a massive destructive capability.
Its long reach - over 16,000 km without refuelling - means
the US can strategically bomb targets anywhere in the world.
The B52 is nuclear capable, but carries almost 30,000kg of
conventional weapons. That can mean a bomb payload, or up
to 20 cruise missiles - although 12 is the usual load.
It can fly well out of enemy anti-aircraft-missile range,
over 15,000 metres, and at speeds of 900 kilometres per hour.
The United States has 66 B52s in its armoury.
Details:
- Engine: Eight Pratt & Whitney engines: G model
- J57-P43WB turbojet; H model - TF33 turbofan.
- Weight: 80,000 kg (empty).
- Max. takeoff weight: 221,350 kg.
- Length: 56.39 metres.
- Height: 12.40 metres.
- Wing Span: 56.39 metres.
- Range: 16,093 km.
- Speed: High Subsonic Mach 0.9.
- Guidance: Terrain Contour Matching and Digital
Scene Matching Area Correlation missile guidance system
with a Global Positioning Satellite guidance capability.
- First Deployed: 1962.
- Ceiling: 15,000 metres.
- Cost: $120m+.
Back to weapons
index
|
