Silent Hunter

I'm using the IISS definition of "bomber", which means a weapon load over 10,000 kg (22,000 lb). That excludes the Tu-16 "Badger".

For sheer range and bombing power, nothing beats the B-52.

entropy

It's very hard to tell. There is no "best" something.

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If memory serves...

B.Smitty

If money is no object, then the B-2A by a long shot. It can do things no other bomber can.

omon

i would think b52 as well, they have unbetable service record, and were designed almost 40 years ago, still flys, sure some planes faster, some carry more, but overall i,d say b52.

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Feanor

The B-2 Spirit aside, (stealth is cheating ) wouldn't the lancers and blackjacks be tied for first place?

Silent Hunter

I'd have to say the Lancer over the Blackjack. For a start, it's got a HUD.

omon

it isn,t a fighter jet, it doesn,t really need hud, also i,m not so sure tu doesn,t have one.

Jimmy

Almost 40 years ago? The -52 actually references something (a specific year) in this case.

Edit: VVV And readiness rates too.

B.Smitty

The PGMs and electronics would give the edge to the Lancer, IMHO.

But after the B-2A, I'd stick with the B-52 as it's the cheapest to operate, can go a long ways, has a useful avionics suite, and the ability to use advanced targeting pods, and PGMs.

glyn

[quote=Jimmy;417496]Almost 40 years ago? The -52 actually references something (a specific year) in this case.

The numerical designation is just a coincidence. Boeing was awarded a study contract for a heavy bomber in 1946. It was almost a 6 turboprop straight wing job, but the Air Force insisted on pure jet propulsion. Back to the drawing board! 8 engines were necessary due to the low power available and the wings were swept back. A Letter of Intent from the AF in March 1951 saw Boeing gearing up for production. The XB-52 was rolled out in November 1951 but didn't make its maiden flight until October 1952. The YB-52 was rolled out in March 1952 and made the first flight of the Stratofortress series the following month.
The B- number that preceded it was the Martin XB-51 ( 3 built ) and the one that followed it was the Convair canard design B-53 which was cancelled before completion.

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astralis

IIRC, in "Wings of Glory," the USAF's 60th anniversary edition, it states that the B-52 will be in use to 2040.

that is one insanely long run.

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HistoricalDavid

The last B-52 airframe built rolled out in 1962. They have of course had things like electronics upgraded innumerable times since then, but all the airframes will be at least 78 years old by 2040. Long run indeed.

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Dreadnought

IMO,
There were alot of good bombers during the war years. And given the powers that were during those days I am under the belief that we would have to seperate them into the powers. The best bomber in WWII IMO was the one that hit the target and brought its crew home to safety.

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Shamus

This is another B.U.F.F. who hopes his not so aerodynamic airframe lasts that long.....

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it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.

HistoricalDavid

Time for a few laps around the park, a few less takeaways, and a few less units, per week eh? (No, I can't lecture anyone. I am a student in a British university after all.)