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Old 03-27-2008, 04:33 AM   #69 (permalink)
Firral
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Location: The Kola peninsula, Russia
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bella View Post
Hey!.........I'm just saying, prop planes for bombers seem old and too slow.
I know the B-52 is a very old bomber, but the amount of bombs and cruise missiles it can carry is unbelievable, plus it is propelled by jet engines.
I don't mean to offend anyone, but it looks like something I would see in a WWII air show that's all! I also know the U.S. uses prop planes for its military, but they are usually the C-130 cargo, or gunship.
Propeller aeroplane cheaper and economic in operation, than jet. For airplanes, which speed to not be the main characteristic (for example transport, marine scouts or strategic bombers) - the propeller engine is quite comprehensible.

The comparative characteristic:
The maximal takeoff weight, т
Тu-95 - 187,7
B-52 - 220

The maximal speed, km/h
Тu-95 - 925
B-52 - 1000

Fighting radius, km
Тu-95 - 6500
B-52 - 7210

The maximal range, km
Тu-95 - 15 000
B-52 - 15 000

Operational ceiling, m
Тu-95 - 12 000
B-52 - 17 000

Cumulative thrust of engines, kg\sec
Тu-95 - 40 000
B-52 - 61 600

Arms, kg
Тu-95 - 11 340
B-52 - 20 650


There is such concept, as economic efficiency. Cost of one Tu-95MS in tens times is less than B-52. Thus, for the same sum, that you spent for one B-52, we could construct ten Tu-95MS.
And now compare one B-52 bears 20650 kg of bombs, and ten Tu-95MS bear 113400 kg. Economically Tu-95MS is more effective.

PS: It reminds me dispute about modern diesel submarines.
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Last edited by Firral : 03-27-2008 at 04:43 AM.
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