DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The United States military said on Monday it had flown two nuclear-capable B-52 bombers into the Middle East in a show of force, the latest target in the region as tensions soar. they are still in between. Washington and Tehran.
The bombers took off from the Royal Air Force base in Fairford, England, and flew over the eastern Mediterranean, the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea on Sunday to train alongside Kuwaiti and Saudi warplanes, before taking off. that.
“Threats to the US and our allies cannot go unanswered,” Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the top US Air Force officer in the Middle East said in a statement. “Operations like this … demonstrate our ability to combine forces to deter and, if necessary, defeat our adversaries.”
Although the US Central Command did not mention Iran in its statement, Washington has repeatedly sent B-52 bombers to the region as the war between the US and Iran rages. The last such flyover was in June.
Former President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from Tehran’s landmark nuclear deal with world powers has triggered a series of escalating events in the region.
While politicians are still arguing over the possible renewal of the nuclear deal, Iran’s navy captured two American drones in the Red Sea last week.
The arrests came days after the country’s Revolutionary Guard towed down a seaplane before releasing it as a US warship pursued it. U.S. Navy it has been using aerial surveillance drones to monitor threats to key waterways, which have seen a series of maritime attacks.
Tensions remain high following recent clashes between US forces and Iran-backed militias in the region. Washington last month carried out airstrikes in eastern Syria targeting areas used by fighters backed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, prompting a response from Iran-backed fighters. .
The US and Iranian talks in Vienna are trying to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which imposed strict limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for international sanctions relief. Last week, the State Department described the latest situation in Iran’s negotiations as “not constructive.”
Meanwhile, Iran is now enriching uranium to 60% purity – a level it has never reached before and is a short, technical step away from 90%. While Iran has long maintained that its program is peaceful, independent experts warn Tehran has enough uranium at 60% to be fuel for at least one bomb. nuclear one.
How many B-52 bombers have been destroyed?
Of the total of nine B-52s lost so far, five were hit during engagements.
How many B-52 bombers were shot down? Ten B-52s were shot down in the north and another five were damaged and crashed in Laos or Thailand. This may interest you : NATO does not need to carry European defense. 33 B-52 crews were killed or disappeared in action, another 33 became prisoners of war, and another 26 were rescued.
How many B-52 bombers Does the United States have?
The B-52 has been in service with the USAF since 1955. As of June 2019, there are 76 aircraft on the roster; 58 are in active use (2nd Bomb Wing and 5th Bomb Wing), 18 are in reserve (307th Bomb Wing), and about 12 are in long-term storage at the Davis-Monthan AFB Boneyard.
Has a B-52 ever been shot down?
The United States loses its first B-52 fighter. The eight-engine bomber was shot down by a North Vietnamese missile launch near Vinh on the day the B-52s flew their heaviest raids of the war on North Vietnam. See the article : Is the United States in a state of irremediable decline? – Analyses. The Communists claimed that 19 B-52s had been shot down so far.
How many B-52s were shot down during the Vietnam war?
Only one B-52 gunner killed a Vietnamese fighter, although more than 30 B-52s were shot down throughout the war. Read also : The United States is taking enforcement action against confidence in interests held by the Russian oligarch.
Can the B-52 carry nukes?
The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy-duty multi-mission bomber. The missile can fly at high subsonic speeds at an altitude of 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters). It can carry nuclear or conventional precision-guided missiles capable of precision navigation around the globe.
How many bombs could the B-52 carry? Unmodified B-52Ds could only carry 27 or even 500-pound or 750-pound bombs, but the Big Belly could carry 84,500-pound or 42,750-pound bombs.
What bombs can a B-52 carry?
The B-52 can carry a series of Quickstrike mines, specifically the Mk 80 series of general purpose bombs with added modifications, as well as folding tail devices to slow down the fall.
What is the takeoff speed of a B-52?
| Primary function | A powerful bomb |
|---|---|
| Max Takeoff Weight | 488,000 lbs (219,600 kg) |
| Fuel Energy | 312,197 pounds |
| Tax | 70,000 lbs (31,500 kg) |
| Speed | 650 mph (Mach 0.86) |
Does the B-52 have a toilet? With about 40 hours of non-stop flight, a B-52 crew may use the lavatory on missions. Although many Air Force planes already have such privacy solutions, or even private toilets, not all do, according to military.com.
How far can a B-52 fly without refueling?
The use of aerial refueling gives the B-52 a range limited only by the endurance of the aircrew. It has an unfueled combat range of over 8,800 miles (14,080 km). For more than 60 years, B-52s have been the backbone of the strategic bomber force for the United States.
Why does the B-52 take off without rotating?
The wing attack angle of the B-52 is correct. The leading edge of the wing is higher than the trailing edge. So when you see the plane take off it looks like it’s not rotating, but when the fuselage is level, the wings are on the right side of attack.
How much fuel does a B-52 burn on takeoff?
At peak flight, the F-15 burns 25 gallons of fuel per minute, while the B-52 easily consumes twice as much – about 50 gallons per minute, equivalent to 86 barrels per hour .
