Limitations of the Conventional Role of the B-1B in the European Theater

Abstract

This report outlines the capabilities of the Soviet defenses the B-1B would encounter on a European conventional mission and the characteristics of the B-1B that make it suited for this mission. A description of the conventional limitations of the weapon system follows with discussion of technological fixes. The lack of planning how the B-1B could best be exploited in a conventional role has led to developing an extremely limited conventional capability that is based on two weapons; the Mk 82,500 pound gravity bomb, and the Mk 36,500 pound mine. These are the only conventional munitions planned for the B-1B. The author suggests a long range perspective is lacking and for the B-1B to be viable in a conventional role new munitions must be developed. The B-1B is Strategic Air Command's (SAC's) newest and finest bomber and is a vital member of the U.S. deterrent forces. Today it serves as a member of the nuclear TRIAD while it continues to be tested and equipped to perform a limited conventional mission.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA220571

Entities

People

  • Paul J. Frichtl

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Airborne Warning And Control System
  • Aircrafts
  • Bombs
  • Defense Systems
  • Electronic Countermeasures
  • Fire Control Systems
  • Fuel Air Explosives
  • General Purpose Bombs
  • Munitions
  • National Security
  • Naval Mines
  • Radar
  • Standoff Missiles
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Inertial Navigation Systems.
  • Strategic Security Studies