How is the B-21 different from the B-2?
The B-21 is believed to be somewhat smaller than the B-2, with a payload of around 30,000-pounds, just large enough to carry one GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator precision-guided conventional bomb, the largest in the Air Force inventory.
How many b1 bombers are there?
Air Force Global Strike Command has retired the last of 17 B-1B bombers from its inventory, leaving a fleet of 45 aircraft that will serve until the new B-21 stealth bomber is ready for duty, the command announced.
Does the B-2 have a toilet?
“Except, for some reason, the cockpit of a B-2.” There’s also a crude toilet—a stainless-steel bowl, no walls—behind the right seat, not too far from a bank of classified communications servers. The Air Force can launch the airplane from Whiteman and maintain secure connectivity anywhere on the globe.
Can the B-1 carry nukes?
The plane can carry eight air-launched cruise missiles or 24 SRAMs. It can also carry up to 24 nuclear bombs or 84 500-pound (227-kg) conventional bombs. With a weapon load of 37,000 pounds (16,800 kg), the B-1B can fly 4,600 miles (7,400 km) without refueling.
Why is the B 2 so expensive?
A key reason for this cost is the provision of air-conditioned hangars large enough for the bomber’s 172 ft (52 m) wingspan, which are needed to maintain the aircraft’s stealth properties, particularly its “low-observable” stealth skins. Maintenance costs are about $3.4 million a month for each aircraft.
Do B-52 pilots sleep?
It’s a tiring mission.” He said the crew took turns napping in the bomber’s lone bunk, but it was hard to get any sleep. “We try to rotate and sleep for four or five hours,” he said, “but I can tell you generally you are not able to sleep for that amount of time.
Which bombers carry nukes?
US aircraft capable of delivering this weapon are the A-4, A-6, A-7, AV-8B, F-4, F-15, F-16, F-18, F-111, and presumably the F-117 stealth fighter. NATO aircraft so capable are the F-4, F-100, F-104, and the Tornado.
What’s the difference between the B-1B and B-1A?
The B-1B’s MTOW was increased to 477,000 lbs. over the B-1A’s 390,000 lbs., according to one source. The B-1B is also slower (maxing out at 1.25 Mach compared with the B-1A’s 2.2 Mach). It doesn’t seem to make sense that it would carry less payload than the B-1B.
Is the B-1B the same as the B 52h?
No, the B-1B carries about 2/3s the payload of the B-52H, that is one reason 35 B-1Bs (along with the high operating costs of the Bone) were selected for storage at DM. I think you were looking the specs for the B-1A.
What’s the difference between the B-2 and B-21 bomber?
The redesign caused a decrease in range and payload, as well as a larger radar cross-section. If the current B-21 design is truly representative of the direction the Air Force is taking, the new aircraft will take the B-2’s all-aspect stealth design to the next level.
How many B-1B bombers are in the Air Force?
There are 62 B-1Bs currently in service. The B-1B was considered nuclear-capable bomber until 2007, when its ability to carry nuclear arms was disabled in accordance with the START treaty. A US Air Force B-1B Lancer over the East China Sea, January 9, 2018.