Have you ever wondered how many cruise missiles a B-52 bomber can carry? The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber that has been in service with the United States Air Force since the 1950s.
It is a versatile aircraft that has been used for a variety of missions, including strategic bombing, close air support, and reconnaissance. In this article, we will explore how many cruise missiles a B-52 can carry and how it has evolved over the years.
Brief History of the B-52
The B-52 was developed by Boeing as a replacement for the B-36 Peacemaker. The first prototype flew in 1952, and the aircraft entered service with the Air Force in 1955.
The original design called for six turbojet engines mounted in pods under the wings. However, early flight tests revealed that this configuration was unstable at high speeds and altitudes.
The Evolution of the B-52
Over the years, the B-52 has undergone several upgrades to improve its capabilities. One of these upgrades was the addition of external pylons under each wing to carry extra fuel tanks or weapons.
The Conventional Rotary Launcher (CRL)
In 1971, the Air Force introduced the Conventional Rotary Launcher (CRL), which allowed the B-52 to carry up to 20 AGM-86B air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs). The ALCM is a subsonic missile that can be launched from outside enemy airspace and flies low to avoid detection.
The Common Strategic Rotary Launcher (CSRL)
In 2001, a new weapon system was introduced called the Common Strategic Rotary Launcher (CSRL). This system replaced both the CRL and an older launcher used for nuclear weapons. The CSRL can carry up to 30 AGM-86C/D CALCMs or a mix of CALCMs and nuclear-tipped AGM-129 Advanced Cruise Missiles (ACMs).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the B-52 bomber has undergone several upgrades over the years to improve its capabilities. With the introduction of external pylons, the Conventional Rotary Launcher, and the Common Strategic Rotary Launcher, the B-52 can now carry up to 30 cruise missiles.
This allows the aircraft to strike Targets from beyond enemy airspace and avoid detection. The B-52 remains a vital part of the Air Force’s strategic bomber fleet and will continue to be so for many years to come.
- Key Takeaways:
- The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber that has been in service with the United States Air Force since the 1950s.
- The B-52 can carry up to 30 cruise missiles with external pylons and rotary launchers.
- The Conventional Rotary Launcher (CRL) was introduced in 1971 and allowed for up to 20 air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs).
- The Common Strategic Rotary Launcher (CSRL) was introduced in 2001 and replaced both the CRL and an older launcher used for nuclear weapons.
- The CSRL can carry up to 30 AGM-86C/D CALCMs or a mix of CALCMs and nuclear-tipped AGM-129 Advanced Cruise Missiles (ACMs).