7 Deadliest Bombers in the World
The US and Russia are competing to produce and develop bomber aircraft. Photo/Reuters
WASHINGTON - Many of the best bombers in the world. The majority is owned by the United States and Russia.
Bomber aircraft generally have stealth capabilities, armament, payload, speed, range, technology, and several other factors. Bomber aircraft are generally very deadly and destructive.
7 Deadliest Bombers in the World
1. Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit (USA)
Photo/Reuters
According to Military Today, the bat-like black B-2 Spirit is the best solution in US policy, intended for use against the highest priority targets. This strategic bomber was designed during the Cold War. All development programs are kept confidential.
Currently the B-2 is the most expensive aircraft ever built. The USAF only operates 20 of these strategic bombers due to their high cost. This advanced aircraft has never been offered for sale to any other country, not even NATO allies.
The B-2 is virtually invisible to radar due to its advanced design and radar-absorbing coating. It can easily overcome enemy air defenses. Many of the sensors and avionics of this warplane are still classified. It also has a secret electronic warfare system.
This aircraft carries a powerful array of weaponry. The aircraft can carry around 18,000 kg of combat payload, including cruise missiles, thermonuclear free-fall bombs and precision-guided bombs. It can fly more than 12,000 km without needing to refuel.
Today the B-2 Spirit is the best operational bomber ever built. But in 2022 the US Air Force launched the new B-21 Raider stealth strategic bomber. Its shape is similar to the B-2, but it is a new aircraft and not a modified version of the B-2. It is believed the B-21 will reach initial operational capability within the next few years.
2. Tupolev Tu-160 (Russia)
Photo/Reuters
According to Military Today, the Tupolev Tu-160 (NATO Blackjack designation) was developed during the Cold War. This strategic bomber was intended to attack America's most important targets. Dwarfing the B-1B Lancer, this aircraft is the largest and heaviest fighter aircraft ever built.
The Tu-160 carries cruise and land attack missiles, equipped with conventional or nuclear warheads. This bomber can also carry free-fall bombs with a maximum weight of up to 40 tons as a substitute for missiles. It has a range of 14,500 km.
Production is estimated at no more than 39 aircraft. These aircraft are very expensive to build and maintain. As of 2017 Russia only operates around 16 of these strategic bombers. As of 2022, satellite imagery reveals that only 10 of the bombers are still operational and it is unclear whether all of them are airworthy.
Recently production of Tu-160 bombers was relaunched in Russia. The first newly built and modernized Tu-160 bomber made its first flight in 2022.
3. Rockwell B-1B Lancer (USA)
Photo/Reuters
According to Military Today, the B-1B Lancer is a strategic bomber that entered service in 1986. It was originally designed as a replacement for the B-52. Lancer is capable of carrying nuclear weapons. This aircraft has a certain degree of stealth. It uses a comprehensive countermeasures system and can overcome advanced enemy air defense systems.
The B-1B can carry up to 34,000 kg of missiles or bombs internally. The Lancer can carry more payload than any other US bomber. With the end of the Cold War, the B-1B lost its nuclear strike role and was repurposed for conventional warfare.
A total of 100 B-1Bs were built. Currently approximately 70 Lancers are available for operations at any one time. It is expected to remain operational until at least 2030; replaced by next generation bombers.
4. Boeing B-52H Stratofortress (USA)
Photo/Reuters
According to Military Today, the B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber is designed to carry nuclear weapons. This aircraft has been in service with the US Air Force since 1955. A total of 744 B-52 strategic bombers of all versions have been built. Since its introduction, the Stratofortress has been continuously improved. The B-52H is the best model. Despite the introduction of new aircraft, the B-52 remained in service due to its superior performance and low operating costs. Currently 85 of these bombers are active in the US Air Force. It will continue to provide valuable services into the 21st century. This type is planned to remain active until 2044.
The B-52 has been used in several wars, but until now has only dropped conventional munitions. This strategic bomber can carry up to 32,000 kg of weapons, including cruise missiles and precision-guided bombs. This aircraft has a range of 18,500 km without needing to refuel.
5. Tupolev Tu-95 (Russia)
Photo/Reuters
The turboprop-powered Tu-95 strategic bomber (NATO designation Bear) entered service in 1956 and remains an important part of Russia's long-range airpower. Initially this bomber was designed to carry nuclear bombs into US territory. It can carry around 15,000 kg of payload. Now the updated Bear model carries 6 long-range cruise missiles. The Bear has an unfueled range of around 12,500 km. With later models, the range was increased to around 15,000 km.
More than 500 of these aircraft were built. The current bomber/missile carrier version is the Tu-95MS. This aircraft entered service in 1984 and was produced until 1992. Currently about 60 Tu-95MS aircraft are in service with the Russian Air Force. It remains the only turboprop-powered strategic bomber in use. Even though it is old, this type will continue to operate until at least 2040.
6. Tupolev Tu-22M (Russia)
Photo/Reuters
The Tu-22M developed from earlier Tu-22 designs, incorporating outer wing panels with variable geometry. This aircraft did not have sufficient range for truly strategic missions and was classified as a medium-range bomber. The Tu-22M bombers operated by the Soviet Naval Aviation were intended to engage US carrier battle groups.
The bomber carries a payload of up to 24,000 kg, including missiles and free-fall bombs.
of 570 Tu-22M aircraft of all versions were built. The Tu-22M3 is the latest version and remains numerically the most important bomber in the Russian Air Force's Long-Range Air Force inventory. About 90 of these bombers are currently in service with the Russian Air Force. Another 58 are operated by Russian Naval Aviation. This aircraft is also in service with the Indian Navy.
7. Xian H-6K (China)
Photo/Reuters
According to Military Today, the basic Xian H-6 is a license production version of the Soviet Tu-16 medium-range bomber. At least 150 of these bombers were built. The H-6 can carry a payload of 9,000 kg, including a variety of air-to-surface missiles, air-to-ship missiles or free-fall bombs. Some versions can carry air-launched cruise missiles. This bomber can deliver nuclear weapons. More than 100 of these bombers are still in service with China.
The new H-6K evolved into a long-range strategic bomber. This aircraft entered service in recent years.
This bomber had new engines and carried more fuel for longer range. It is armed with air-launched cruise missiles under its wings. The aircraft is believed to have significantly improved avionics, search and attack radar, navigation, fire control and weapons precision.
The H-6K is capable of striking US carrier strike groups and priority targets in Asia. It also has nuclear strike capabilities.
Comments