Cold War Bombers

The United States nuclear deterrence strategy during the Cold War was called a Triad because it made use of 3 military components. These were land-based ballistic missiles, strategic missile submarines, and strategic long range bombers. During the latter Cold War (1975-1991) the United States had deployed 2 long range bombers to use against the Soviet Union, these were the B-1 Lancer, and the B-52 Stratofortress. During this time the United States was also developing a stealth bomber which became known in 1987 and was known as the B-2 Spirit. 

The mainstay of the Soviet Strategic bomber force was the Tu-95 Bear, and the Blackfire. Later during the early 1980s the Soviet Union developed a new bomber called the Blackjack, which was basically a Soviet version of the B-1. Although the Soviet Union was though to be capable of developing a stealth bomber, when the Cold War ended in 1991 it was found the the Soviet Union wasn't even close to coming up with the technology.

This Interesting, and well put together diagram from the 1985 book "Advanced Technology Warfare" does a great job of comparing the types of bombers used by the Soviet Union, and United States during the 1980s part of the Cold War. However this book was written before the B-2 stealth bomber was uncovered and is therefore not included. The illustrations are wonderful although it would be nice if it had more technical specifications listed.

This is one of my favorite aviation diagrams on the internet. It goes above and beyond in showing off the technical specifications of the Soviet Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bomber. Note that because of this diagrams complexity one can learn how Russian bombers have a smaller library of ordnance to equip their bombers with.

This Diagram includes the F-111 as a Long-Range Strategic bomber which many would disagree with because the F-111 was designed very specifically for a tactical role. This diagram is great because it shows the max speed of these aircraft which can be very useful for deciding how to intercept them.  

 

MiG-25 Foxbat

The MiG-25 is actually a very good aircraft, capable of reaching extremely high speeds, and carrying very decent air to air  weapons. The reason why this aircraft is so seemingly ineffective is due to the poor combat training of the pilots who have flown the aircraft in conflicts around the world. Even pilots in the former Soviet Union were to poorly trained to take full advantage of this aircraft which was technologically advanced for its time.

MiG-25 Foxbat Illustration

Midgetman Portable ICBM

The Soviet development of the SS-25 SICBM (small/portable ICBM) meant that ICBMs no longer required fixed silos to be launched from. Instead they could be mounted on truck pulled trailers and launched from anywhere. The United States attempted to match this program with the never finished Midgetman missile which would have been an American version of the SS-25. The development for the missile began in 1986, and went on until it was cut in 1992, because the fall of the Soviet Union meant that the missile would no longer be needed. The United States never developed a portable ICBM, however it is very likely the United States has developed equally powerful weapons in secret.

A full size mock up of the Midgetman Missile.

B-2 Stealth Bomber

The B-2 is an American strategic penetration bomber capable of carrying 40,000 pounds of either nuclear or conventional ordnance. Fewer than 30 were built because the aircraft's high cost. The B-2 is a very iconic aircraft, and carried out bombing missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan, although it was designed for a nuclear war with the Soviet Union which never happened.

I love this depiction of the B-2 bomber because it displays all the weapons and guts of the aircraft which were classified during the late 1980s until the early 2000s. One unique feature of the B-2 is not only it's design and materials are made for stealth, but it has a special RADAR absorbing paint. The only set back of this graphic is it doesn't discuss it's technical specifications which are equally important. The B-2's slow speed and lack of air to air weapons would make it an easy kill in a dogfight.  

Classic Chinese Nuclear Submarines

The first Chinese nuclear submarines were two submarines of the Han Class, the designs of which were copies of Russian SSNs. During the Cold War the Han class was China's main attack submarine for defending her shores. After China became a nuclear power in the 1970s China developed the Xia Class SSBN to launch ballistic missile attacks. Xia is interesting because the entire weapon system including its SLBMs (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles) are all indigenous.

 An entry on the Han Class from the World Encyclopedia of Submarines by John Parker. 

An entry on the Xia Class from the World Encyclopedia of Submarines by John Parker. Note that the book discusses plans for new Chinese submarines and how those might affect American interests.  

Panzer IV

The Panzer IV was one of Germany's most widely used tanks during the Second World War. It mainly served German forces in Russia, and North Africa. After WWII it is said that the Syrian military attempted to use Panzer IVs against Israel during the Six Days War.

Sections on the Panzer IV From the 20th Century Encyclopedia of Weapons and Warfare

F-117 Stealth Fighter

The F-117 was a stealth fighter which was invented in the early 1980s. Although it is a not a true fighter aircraft because it only carriers four 2000 pound laser guided bombs, instead of missiles and cannons. The F-117's first actual conflict was the 1991 Persian Gulf War in which the F-117 played a key role in the air war.

A 1991 Article About the F-117