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Bomber Question

Started by Nikos, May 01, 2016, 05:37:47 PM

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Nikos

I have read where the Air Force has missiles on nuclear alert.  My question is, does the Air Force still keep part of the bomber force on nuclear alert?

PHall

Currently there are no bombers on Alert. That can be changed in as little as 6 hours.

JeffDG

It's not like the missiles can be used in non-nuclear roles, like the bombers can.

There was talk of a "Prompt Global Strike" program to put precision guided munitions (conventional, non-nuclear) on ICBMs such that a target half-way around the world could have a smart-bomb down it's chimney in a very short time, however, the issue there is verification that the launch is a conventional weapon. 

If the Russians see an ICBM lifting off out of Montana, how are they going to be sure it's a conventional weapon, and not a MIRV heading for them, and what's to stop them from firing a counter-strike if they think it's a first-strike?

Holding Pattern

Quote from: JeffDG on May 01, 2016, 06:24:03 PM

If the Russians see an ICBM lifting off out of Montana, how are they going to be sure it's a conventional weapon, and not a MIRV heading for them, and what's to stop them from firing a counter-strike if they think it's a first-strike?

Indeed. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_rocket_incident for an example of what can go wrong.

Flying Pig

There are, however, fighters that sit on alert, loaded and ready to go. 

PHall

Quote from: JeffDG on May 01, 2016, 06:24:03 PM
It's not like the missiles can be used in non-nuclear roles, like the bombers can.

There was talk of a "Prompt Global Strike" program to put precision guided munitions (conventional, non-nuclear) on ICBMs such that a target half-way around the world could have a smart-bomb down it's chimney in a very short time, however, the issue there is verification that the launch is a conventional weapon. 

If the Russians see an ICBM lifting off out of Montana, how are they going to be sure it's a conventional weapon, and not a MIRV heading for them, and what's to stop them from firing a counter-strike if they think it's a first-strike?

The fact that it takes a full day to change out the software and the weapon payload doesn't help either.

SarDragon

Bombers don't carry just bombs. The B-52 can carry air launched cruise missiles, which have seen major use in recent Middle East activities.
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PHall

Quote from: SarDragon on May 01, 2016, 07:58:12 PM
Bombers don't carry just bombs. The B-52 can carry air launched cruise missiles, which have seen major use in recent Middle East activities.

B-52's can also carry and launch anti-ship missiles (Harpoon) and mines too.

The B-52 is the "Swiss Army Knife" of bombers. It can carry just about everything in the arsenal.

arajca

Quote from: PHall on May 01, 2016, 08:09:07 PM
Quote from: SarDragon on May 01, 2016, 07:58:12 PM
Bombers don't carry just bombs. The B-52 can carry air launched cruise missiles, which have seen major use in recent Middle East activities.

B-52's can also carry and launch anti-ship missiles (Harpoon) and mines too.

The B-52 is the "Swiss Army Knife" of bombers. It can carry just about everything in the arsenal.
At one time. :)

PHall

Quote from: arajca on May 01, 2016, 09:29:32 PM
Quote from: PHall on May 01, 2016, 08:09:07 PM
Quote from: SarDragon on May 01, 2016, 07:58:12 PM
Bombers don't carry just bombs. The B-52 can carry air launched cruise missiles, which have seen major use in recent Middle East activities.

B-52's can also carry and launch anti-ship missiles (Harpoon) and mines too.

The B-52 is the "Swiss Army Knife" of bombers. It can carry just about everything in the arsenal.
At one time. :)

So what weapons can the B-52 not carry? 

Luis R. Ramos

Tanks?

Self-Prop guns?

But what it can... will beat those!

;)
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Squadron Communication Officer
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PHall

Quote from: Luis R. Ramos on May 02, 2016, 01:27:14 AM
Tanks?

Self-Prop guns?

But what it can... will beat those!

;)

No, but it can carry, and drop, a 10 Megaton Nuke on your house!

Luis R. Ramos

Like I said, a B-52 can beat any of those!

;)
Squadron Safety Officer
Squadron Communication Officer
Squadron Emergency Services Officer