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We're not really. With modern targeting systems an unguided bomb like a Mk.82 has a precision (circular area probable, CEP) 30-50m in perfect conditions. The sa
by giantrobot 3y ago
We're not really. With modern targeting systems an unguided bomb like a Mk.82 has a precision (circular area probable, CEP) 30-50m in perfect conditions. The same Mk.82 with a JDAM kit attached has a CEP of around 4-5m.
Just to be sure you hit a target with unguided bombs you need to drop several at once. Missing a building by 50m is the difference between hitting it or its parking lot. That same mission could be done with a single guided bomb because it's more likely than not going to hit exactly where it's aimed. In Iraq JDAMs were sometimes targeted at individual vehicles.
A B-21 with fewer smart bombs has a higher likelihood of destroying all of its targets than a B-2 loaded with a larger number of dumb bombs.
In terms of Nuclear Triad, having more airframes is more important than carrying more weapons. With a larger number of B-21s able to operate at more airfields they're a more credible threat than a small number of B-2s. In nuclear deterrence you want the other side to think "Damn, there could be bombers overhead right now waiting to nuke me if I push the button. Maybe I'll talk this out instead."
- appplication 3y agoPer this example, the B2 isn’t being used in any real capacity, so it’s not really relevant to compare it, especially for conventional weapons. As of late 2010s, the B1 and drones did the preponderance of munitions drops in the Middle East, and just about all of those drops were using some form of guided munitions. I’m not even sure we use unguided in any real capacity. Source: was there, saw it. The exclusive purpose of the B2 is nuclear strike.