The arrival of Chinese H-6s off American shores is a major, but not unexpected landmark in China's power projection evolution.
  • tal@lemmy.todayOPEnglish
    31·
    4 days ago

    I would, at this juncture, point out the slightly surreal fact that it is 2024 and:

    • The primary American strategic bomber is the B-52. The basic aircraft first flew in 1952.

    • The primary Chinese strategic bomber is the H-6. While the H-6 itself is newer, this is the Chinese version of the Soviet Tu-16, which started being manufactured in 1952.

    • The primary Russian strategic bomber, two of which were flying along with this H-6, is the Tu-95, which started being manufactured in 1952.

    • SirDerpy@lemmy.world
      6·
      4 days ago

      The US is the only NATO ally to maintain a bomber fleet. The role of the modern bomber is to deliver guided munitions and an air-launched nuclear deterrent.

      Due to many deployments and the cost of repair and maintenance, the B-1 has been retired. There are roughly 20 B-2 Spirit’s in the fleet capable of delivering guided munitions. The B-52 Stratofortress can deliver guided munitions and is a platform for the Air-Launched Cruise Missile nuclear deterrent, to be replaced by the LRSO system in a few years. The B-21 Raider is expected to enter service around 2027 but much of capability and intent is classified.

      While the last B-52 was manufactured in 1962 and the existing 72 airframes are expected to serve as at least the air-launched nuclear deterrent (LRSO) platform of the bomber fleet into perhaps the 2050’s, everything important has been redesigned and replaced: engines, nacelles, fire and launch control, and fuel system. It’s as if one gutted and remodeled a house, including replacing the exterior, some parts several times. The latest variant focuses on new engines, expected in a few years.

      TL;DR Colonizers gonna’ colonize. And, knowing is half the battle. G.I. Jooooooe!