I am a USAF pilot veteran. I’ve witnessed hundreds of flyovers, but I have NEVER seen the three current bombers in our inventory (B-1, B-2, B-52) fly over in close formation. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!
Each aircraft represents different technologies and periods in USAF history. Each are regularly upgraded with new weapons and missions. Each are nuclear capable, though the B-1 currently doesn’t have that mission.
A couple unique things about the B-One, “Bone”, as its called…as in “punisher”, are 1) it is the only one of the 3 that can fly supersonic, when the wings are swept back. Also it is the only aircraft I know of with FOUR afterburning engines.
If you ever hear a Bone takeoff with all four engines in full blower, you will never forget that sound. Imagine being surprised by the sound and shockwave of a high speed, terrain-following Bone fly low over your head. It would make most people soil their drawers and run for cover. And that is, in fact, exactly how it has been used on occasion in recent conflicts, without releasing a single weapon.
I am a USAF pilot veteran. I’ve witnessed hundreds of flyovers, but I have NEVER seen the three current bombers in our inventory (B-1, B-2, B-52) fly over in close formation. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!
Each aircraft represents different technologies and periods in USAF history. Each are regularly upgraded with new weapons and missions. Each are nuclear capable, though the B-1 currently doesn’t have that mission.
A couple unique things about the B-One, “Bone”, as its called…as in “punisher”, are 1) it is the only one of the 3 that can fly supersonic, when the wings are swept back. Also it is the only aircraft I know of with FOUR afterburning engines.
If you ever hear a Bone takeoff with all four engines in full blower, you will never forget that sound. Imagine being surprised by the sound and shockwave of a high speed, terrain-following Bone fly low over your head. It would make most people soil their drawers and run for cover. And that is, in fact, exactly how it has been used on occasion in recent conflicts, without releasing a single weapon.