A US Air Force nuclear-capable B-52H Stratofortress has been spotted flying over Texas[1], raising questions about the purpose of the high-profile flight.
Flight tracking data showed the long-range, subsonic strategic bomber departed from Shreveport, Louisiana[2] at 1:18pm ET on Tuesday, soaring up through Arkansas[3], into Oklahoma[4] and is now flying over Texas.
The US Air Force describes the aircraft as a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions.
The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet.
It was built during the Cold War to serve as a long-range strategic bomber capable of delivering massive payloads, including nuclear weapons[5], anywhere in the world.
The B-52 made a loop outside of Oklahoma City and several circles above northern Texas.
While the exact purpose of the flight has not been disclosed, such missions are often part of training exercises, strategic rotations or readiness operations.
The flight, which traveled over Texas at 26,000 feet at speeds exceeding 554 mph, highlights the bomber’s continued role in America’s nuclear and conventional arsenal.
Flight tracking data showed the long-range, subsonic strategic bomber departed from Shreveport, Louisiana at 1:18pm ET on Tuesday
The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, while carrying nuclear or precision-guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability
In conventional conflicts, the B-52 can conduct strategic attacks, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations.
During Desert Storm, B-52s were responsible for 40 percent of all coalition munitions dropped, demonstrating their critical role in large-scale operations.
The bomber is also highly effective in ocean surveillance, assisting the US Navy with anti-ship missions and mine-laying operations.
In just two hours, two B-52s can monitor roughly 140,000 square miles of ocean surface, providing unmatched coverage.
Modern B-52s are equipped with electro-optical viewing sensors, forward-looking infrared, and advanced targeting pods to improve targeting, battle assessment, and flight safety.
Pilots also use night vision goggles (NVGs) to enhance visibility during night operations, improving situational awareness, safety, and the ability to visually track other aircraft.
The current flight has the callsign ‘TUFFF72,’ which suggests the B-52 would likely be conducting training exercises and complex tactical maneuvers with other aircraft and ground forces.
This includes rehearsing strategic attack, air interdiction and maritime operations.
Flight tracking data spotted another bomber mission on October 8, taking a different route than today’s flight
Another bomber took off from Shreveport this month, but its flight details are unknown.
Flight data tracked the aircraft heading east into Mississippi, back around over Baton Rouge, where it made several circles just outside the city before returning to home base.
While the bomber emerged during the Cold War, officials said that America’s 76-strong fleet will fly until at least 2050, with a few upgrades along the way.
Rolls-Royce is among the companies competing to provide new fuel-saving engines that will spare the Air Force from having to keep ferreting out parts for existing ones that are no longer manufactured.
The B-52 is versatile, able to fire long-range missiles and launch satellite-guided mines and bombs, and is the only current U.S. bomber that can be equipped with nuclear-tipped cruise missiles.