Watch as bombs are loaded on USAF B-52 bombers before the mission. Sights and sounds of massive B52 bombers have been seen and heard across the UK as United States Air Force aircraft carry out pre-planned missions across Europe. Based at the Royal Air Force Fairford in Gloucestershire they have acted as a sign of Allied military might following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
NATO is not involved in the conflict in Ukraine but several military flights from the US Air Force and Royal Air Force have been linked to the conflict, although many are routine training and practice flights. There is renewed interest in military aircraft as tensions persist after the invasion
A B-52 Stratofortress, stationed in the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, was loaded with ammunition the day before the surprise attack. You can see the crew directing the bomb across the runway and then being loaded onto the plane. More videos are available at the link at the bottom of this article. The US Air Force says bomber duty is an important part of the B-52’s mission. To remain combat ready, pilots must be effective at dropping ammunition.
What is the B-52?
The US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, nuclear and conventional heavy bomber that can perform a wide variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, the bomber can carry conventional precision-guided ωεɑρσռry with precision navigation capabilities worldwide. Known as BUFFs (Big Ugly Fat Fellas or similar words starting with F) – these large animals cost around $14 million each. In active service since 1955, they were built to carry nuclear ωεɑρσռs during the Cold ധąɾ.
Each aircraft can carry up to 70,000 lbs of ωεɑρσռs and has a combat range of approximately 8,800 miles without refueling.
This bomber is a veteran of several ωɑɾs, but the B-52 only dropped conventional munitions in the battles it followed.
In conventional conflict, the B-52 can conduct strategic strike, close air support, air interdiction, air counterattack and maritime operations.
