he B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of
missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at
altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters). It can carry nuclear or
precision guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision
navigation capability.
In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform strategic attack,
close-air support, 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 can be equipped with two electro-optical viewing sensors, a
forward-looking infrared and advanced targeting pods to augment
targeting, battle assessment, and flight safety, thus further improving
its combat ability.
Pilots wear night vision goggles, or NVG, to enhance their vision during
night operations. Night vision goggles provide greater safety during
night operations by increasing the pilot's ability to visually clear
terrain, to increase the peacetime and combat situational awareness of
the aircrew and visually acquire other aircraft.
B-52s are currently upgrading from the Litening Advanced Targeting Pod
to the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod. Sniper pods provide improved
long-range target detection/identification and continuous stabilized
surveillance for all missions, including close air support of ground
forces. The pod's advanced targeting and image processing technology
significantly increases the combat effectiveness of the B-52 during day,
night and under-the-weather conditions in the attack of ground targets
with a variety of standoff weapons (i.e., laser-guided bombs,
conventional bombs and GPS-guided weapons).
The use of aerial refueling gives the B-52 a range limited only by crew
endurance. It has an unrefueled combat range in excess of 8,800 miles
(14,080 kilometers).
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