How many bombers would have successfully reached the US/USSR in a 1980s full nuclear exchange?
How many bombers would have successfully reached the US/USSR in a 1980s full nuclear exchange?
I seem to recall reading the U.S. expected perhaps 60 percent or so of their bombers that got off the ground to be able to drop their bombs or fire their missiles or what have you. A similar number for the USSR sounds reasonable to me.How many bombers would have successfully reached the US/USSR in a 1980s full nuclear exchange?
From published accounts I've read the USAF / SAC expected that a certain number of their bombers would be able to drop megaton or higher yield bombs on key targets deep within the USSR. Published interviews I've read spoke of missiles being used to take out defences so the bombers could reach their targets. It seems plausible to me that a certain number of bombers would have reached their targets.It's a good question. How many? starting from there? How many would be wiped away or hampered by the electronic interference of the multiple detonations? Would ALL crews obey orders and reach targets, or some would try to land in some neutral country? Missiles are far faster than bombers. When bombers reach etheir target, they'd find huge atomic mushrooms all over, high contamination of the atmosphere and so on. How would they be expected to operate?
It's a good question. How many? starting from there? How many would be wiped away or hampered by the electronic interference of the multiple detonations? Would ALL crews obey orders and reach targets, or some would try to land in some neutral country? Missiles are far faster than bombers. When bombers reach etheir target, they'd find huge atomic mushrooms all over, high contamination of the atmosphere and so on. How would they be expected to operate?
My understating is the U.S. still planned on dropping at least a few bombs on key targets. Reportedly some 9 Megaton B53 bombs were brought back into service late in the Cold War for this purpose.In the 80s its mainly a matter bomber fired cruise missiles and not so much dumb dropping anymore. AGM-86s and KH-55s Could be fired off the coast 2400km deep into both US and Soviet territory.
True but in the big scheme of things I'm doubtful the Soviet ALCM force would have made much difference.In the 80s its mainly a matter bomber fired cruise missiles and not so much dumb dropping anymore. AGM-86s and KH-55s Could be fired off the coast 2400km deep into both US and Soviet territory.