Hagel Visits San Diego In Farewell Tour To Promote Next-Gen Bomber

KPBS ^ | 1-13-15 | Robert Burns

[Wildbill22]

B-1 was De-Nuclearized a while ago for arms control agreements.

Just as well, the SRAM-2 was never built which would have given it a little stand off range, which leaves only the cruise missile and gravity bombs for the nuclear role, neither of which was ideal for the B-1.

B-52 needed the standoff cruise missile to remain viable in an era of modern air defense systems, and the B-2 could plausibly penetrate close enough for the gravity bomb role it seems.

B-52 is still pretty cool though;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt4xxVyZvwM

I think there are only about 66 B-1s left operational.

[jmacusa]

The BUFF looks like it wants to kill you. Build more of ‘em.

[al baby]

Bingo

[Daaave]

Which are the nukes in that array?

The cruise missiles under both wings are nuclear capable. Under the left wing appear to be AGM-129A Advanced Cruise Missiles. In '07 the Air Force said they would be retired.

af.mil

[Talisker]

Why don’t they just build more B-52’s? They could ... save billions if not trillions...

Uh... I don't think you're clear on the concept here...

[Red Badger]

Hey, the aircraft people, BOEING, can make money building the old bombers just as well, and probably more since they don’t have to do all the R&D in the process. The airframe is worthy, and has been for almost 70 years.....................

[GreyFriar]

B-52 heavy metal pics

[zot]

Thanks for the ping. I think the next generation strategic bomber may be unmanned.

[GreyFriar]

I’ve heard that during WW2 we had quite a few unmanned fighter aircraft, they were flown by women, but not in combat.

[Talisker]

I should have put up a sarcasm tag. I meant that waste is big business for government.

[Red Badger]

I knew you were being sarcastic. No need for a /s tag!................

[Talisker]

LOL!

K