You may already know that there are tactical and strategical bombings. Even if the first is being performed by a variety of different aircraft, strategical bombing is being performed by specially designed aircraft called strategical bombers. Let's see the five best of their kind!
5. Tupolev Tu-95
Tupolev Tu-95The Russian bomber was produced by Tupolev between 1952 and 1993 and made its first flight in 1952. It's said that it will serve the Russian Air Force until 2040, something that means it will serve for almost 90 years. The aircraft, which is one of the noisiest ever created, can carry up to 15t payload. Its range reaches 12,500km before it needs refueling.
4. B-52 STRATOFORTRESS
The long-range strategical bomber B-52 is the aircraft of the US Air Force that served more time than any other. The subsonic aircraft made its first flight almost 70 years ago and still serves with great success. More than 744 units have been built by Boeing, and all have been used by the USAF or NASA. The bomber is capable of carrying 32t of payload and has a range of 14km.
3. Rockwell B1-B Lancer
The specific American aircraft was entered service in 1986 and was designed as the replacement for B-52. The bomber was built to penetrate air defense systems and electronic warfare weapons. The huge B1-B has a capacity of 34t, and that's the biggest in the USAF. It aims to serve at least 2030 when it will be replaced by the next-generation bombers.
2. Tupolev Tu-160
The Russian Tupolev Tu-160 has been named “Blackjack” by NATO. The aircraft, that was developed during the Cold War, was designed to hit the most important US targets. It's the biggest and heaviest combat aircraft that has ever been constructed. The aircraft can carry up to 40t of weapons and can reach a range of 14,500km. Some sources state that only 39 units were built due to high operation and maintenance costs.
1. Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit
B-2 Spirit stands at the top of strategical bombers. It's one of the most important weapons of the US that was developed during the Cold War too. Due to its high cost, the USAF only operates 20 of them. The aircraft was developed secretly, and it's the most expensive aircraft ever built. The USA decided not to sell it to their allies. Spirit can carry a maximum payload of 18t and has a range of 12,000km. Due to that, B2 can pass unnoticed from enemy radars. The aircraft that will replace the best bomber in history, will be the B-21 Raider, which will enter service in 2032.
