FPJ BureauUpdated: Friday, May 31, 2019, 05:28 PM IST
-In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations. During Desert Storm, B-52s delivered 40 percent of all the weapons dropped by coalition forces. It is highly effective when used for ocean surveillance, and can assist the U.S. Navy in anti-ship and mine-laying operations. Two B-52s, in two hours, can monitor 140,000 square miles (364,000 square kilometers) of ocean surface. All B-52s are equipped with an electro-optical viewing system that uses platinum silicide forward-looking infrared and high resolution low-light-level television sensors to augment the targeting, battle assessment, flight safety and terrain-avoidance system, thus further improving its combat ability and low-level flight capability. (U.S. Air Force photo) |
US to deploy nuclear-capable warplanes to bomb ISIS out of existence
Washington : The US is set to deploy its nuclear-capable B-52 warplanes for the first time to bomb ISIS as part of efforts to ramp up campaign against terrorists in Syria and Iraq.
The B-52 Stratofortress could begin dropping bombs on the Islamic State group from April, the Air Force Times reported. The bombers would be headed to the Central Command area of operations to replace the B-1 Lancers, the last of them returning in January, officials were quoted saying at an Air Force Association Conference. The B-1s should return after they receive additional upgrades.
However, it is not clear how many B-52s or the number of airmen, under Air Force Global Strike Command, will be deployed for the potential operation.
