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| B-52H Bomber Proves His Ability |
International Military - B-52H is currently a legendary cross-generational bomber that is still on active duty. It is proven that there is information on the af.mil page that the B-52H bomber was first delivered in 1961. And in 2022, the bomber is still actively operating and has recorded the age of 61 years of service. With a very old age, this aircraft has proven to have extraordinary advantages.
One of the outstanding advantages of the B-52H is its highly destructive cruise missile payload. It is capable of carrying 20 cruise missiles in one flight. That means the B 52H is capable of targeting a very large number of air-to-ground targets.
It is explained that the B 52H is capable of carrying a load of 31.5 tons. With such a large payload, it has a very large fuel capacity. It is proven that the B 52H is capable of carrying as much as 141.6 tons of fuel. From the large fuel capacity, it is also balanced with high cruising range.
It is known that the high cruising range of the B 52H is capable of reaching a distance of 8,800 miles. That means the B 52H is capable of flying up to a distance of 14,162 km away. Therefore the role of the B 52H as a strategic aircraft is very dangerous. In particular, US enemies should be wary of the B 52H's ability to fly across continents.
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| Bomber B-52H with all its weapons |
However, the B 52H only has a flight speed of up to Mach 0.84. With this speed, the B 52H only reaches subsonic speed and cannot reach supersonic. Then to fly high, the B 52H can reach a height of 15,151 meters. From the flying height of the B 52H, this aircraft has many features. And sure enough, if the privileges of the B 52H have an impact on the unit price of this aircraft.
It is known that the unit price of the B 52H can reach USD 84 million. From this high price, the safety of the B 52H crew is also guaranteed.
It is known that the pilot, co-pilot, weapon systems officer, navigator, electronic warfare officer on the B 52H are equipped with ejection seats. The ejection seat on the B 52H is useful if the bomber is damaged while in the air and requires rescue. With these advantages, the quality of the B 52H is still good even though it is very old.
In addition, the B 52H is known for its enormous weight. It was explained that the weight of the B 52H could reach 83.2 tons. The weight of the B 52H makes this aircraft categorized as a heavy bomber aircraft. Evidently the B 52H is equipped with eight Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3/103 turbofan engines. From the engine, it is clear that the high payload and cruising range of the B 52H are its trademark.
And you need to know if the B 52H has ever carried out a mission in the South China Sea. Explained from the airandspaceforces.com page on July 6, 2020, a B 52H from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., flew a 28-hour mission to the Pacific on July 2.
The long-distance flying B 52H connects with two Navy carrier groups in the South China Sea. Based on this incident, it is known that the B 52H mission is in a show of force in international waters. It is also shown in the photo that the B 52H's flight in the South China Sea was also escorted by Super Hornet fighter jets.
Not only the Super Hornet, but early warning aircraft also escorted the B 52H on the mission. For this reason, the prestige of the B 52H as a heavyweight bomber has a high deterrent effect on the bomber defense equipment.
Previously, there was an explanation that the role of the B 52H was very useful in anti-surface and anti-submarine operations. From this explanation, the role of the B 52H was able to destroy the underwater fleet by laying sea mines. Not only sea mines, but anti-ship operations using anti-ship missiles are also capable of being carried out by the B 52H.
With this array of capabilities, it is clear that the B 52H is capable of destroying China's surface and underwater Fleet. If the South China Sea conflict erupts then the role of the B 52H has enormous value. Especially in operations the B 52H in anti-surface and anti-submarine operations can be carried out.
That's why the B 52H, which is known as a ground bomber, is capable of carrying out attack missions to the surface and underwater. Therefore, the role of the B 52H must be watched out for by China.