War Analysis: Russian Tu-60 vs. US B-1B Bomber

You make the call.

Dave Majumdar [2]

The Tu-160s primary armament has always been long-range cruise missiles like the Kh-55MS–of which it can carry a dozen. In recent months however, the Russians have used the conventional version Kh-555 version of the cruise missile against targets in Syria alongside much more advanced and stealthy Kh-101 cruise missile. The aircraft also carries the nuclear-tipped Kh-102.

The Rockwell International B-1B Lancer strategic bomber and the Russian Tu-160 Blackjack look visually similar and even share some overlap in their mission sets, however, the two aircraft are quite different.

The B-1A was originally designed as a high-altitude supersonic penetrator before the Carter administration cancelled the program in 1977 after it became apparent that the new bomber would not be able to survive against new Soviet air defenses. Instead, the Carter Administration emphasized ballistic missiles and authorized the development of what would eventually become the Northrop Grumman B-2A Spirit stealth bomber. However, the development of the stealth bomber was not made public and would remain classified for years to come.

Recommended:The World’s Most Secretive Nuclear Weapons Program[3].

Recommended:The Fatal Flaw That Could Take Down an F-22 or F-35[4].

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