Operating a Dinosaur in the 1991s -- Operational Thoughts for Employing B-52s
Abstract
The B-52, a 30 plus year old airplane, was very effective in the Gulf War, striking a variety of targets. Its effect, on hammering field troops, was outstanding in breaking their will to fight. A similar effect occurred during the Southeast Asian Conflict. The terror this heavy bomber can strike in the hearts of the enemy cannot be measured and should not be ignored. Consequently, theater operational commanders, not only must plan for and fight conflicts in their area of responsibility, they must know what their apportioned forces can do, and what they want them to be capable of doing. With theater commanders commanding a wide array of forces from different services, it is very important that they make Service Chiefs aware of their desires, so that capabilities can be developed during peacetime. One important way of analyzing how forces have been applied, and what errors have occurred in deciding the most appropriate way of employment, is to look at history. This will become even more important with the demise of Strategic Air Command, because the art of applying a heavy bomber could be lost.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 18, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA253117
Entities
People
- Robert L. Ostrander Jr.
Organizations
- Naval War College