iscover
Rockwell 8-1A. The fourth prototype of the B-1A, the first aircraft fitted with both the Boeing offensive avionics and Eaton-AIL defensive avionics, approaches the runway with wings swept fully forward. This aircraft defeated a wide range of simulated and real Soviet weapon systems in tP.sts conducted at the Nellis range. The tactical camouflage was matched to the role
Technology Explained
0 comment
The Long Range Penetrator
Part I The Boeing B-52 and Rockwell B-1A
The application of air power has traditionally been divided into tactical and strategic. The latter by nature has always involved the delivery of large bomb loads over substantial distances, with aircraft penetrating heavy defences in sustained bombing campaigns.
Strategic bombing can be seen as a direct application of the often underrated Lanchester’s Laws. A side may strengthen its position through the destruction of the opponent’s production capacity while also tying up the opponent’s tactical aircraft in the air defence role. This precludes their Lise over the battlefield and thus blunts the opponent’s offensive capability by reducing concentration.
For strategic bombing to be meaningful loss rates must be kept low; bombers and support facilities are expensive while the morale of the aircrew is critical to the effectiveness of such campaigns. Sustained loss rates above 3% will rapidly whittle away a force and render the exercise counterproductive.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
