Pathetic 'Flying Fortress' B-52 in Hanoi through eyes of Russians
- Hanoi May 12-1972 sky has gone down in history as a war fought in the air, with the participation of Air Force Strategic strongest, most destructive weapons and equipment, vehicles Most modern warfare, high-intensity combat since World War II.
On the northern sky Vietnam on 18-31 May 12-1972, the missile forces with the Vietnam People's Army adviser Soviet missile systems S-75, two powerful group of U.S. Air Force 7 and 8 (Seventh and Eighth air force) have endured an extremely tough challenge.
In a lot of material to write about Russia's fierce battles in the sky North Vietnam on May 12-1972. (VKO the magazine. № 1, 2, 4 and 6 in 2004). That is understandable because it is not set, and the campaign is not the biggest room in the history of warfare between the period of the 20th century. But there are many more as well as many events took place out of sight and the author's research in strategic VKO Linebacker II. This article refers to the details that affect the specific activity of the combat fleet of B-52s in the U.S. Air Force, the mass media, the U.S. publication.
On 18-12-1972, Andersen Air Force Base on Guam by the U.S. Air Force. During the one hour 43 minutes, both ground and space sky rocked by the pressure and the roar of jet engines massive power. 87 'Flying Fortress' massive B-52 Stratofortress takes off turn up positions in the team of the sky towards the North of Vietnam. Then the 42 B-52 Stratofortress aircraft from Utapao base - connecting Thailand squad raids.
Air force team owners in history's largest air war will dump a huge amount of bombs to the airport Hoa Lac, Kep and Phu Yen, auto repair factory Doing it, commune Uy Hai Duong. Factory repair locomotives, train cars in Hanoi, Yen Vien Railway Station, Radio Voice of Vietnam in Hanoi center. Each B-52D aircraft takeoff at Thailand's Utapao airport carrying 108 340 kg bombs, B-52 D from Guam bomb carrying 66 340 kg, the B-52G aircraft bomb is 27.
Attack of the stated goals are divided into 3 waves pouring deluge of B-52 bombs. Only aircraft "Water" 02 "and red" 03 (both B-52G, according to conventional, non-standard, edited 3 the fleet is named, is the position of the aircraft in Strike). This answer is very vague from a unnamed source. The top of this aircraft carried the artillery attack and air defense fire escape safety net. But all the rest will be 127 chiecStratofortress welcome 'warm'.
Meet with death
Phase 1 bombarding including the 48 from Utapao 21 Stratofortress from Andersen and 27 units. 12 B-52D and B-52G 15 during blizzard 1 is on target to 19h45 hours in Hanoi. The top "Snow" 324 bombs poured down the runway of the airport Hoa Lac, southwestern outskirts of Hanoi.
20h03 from top B-52D aircraft "lilac - Eggplant" 03 aircraft serial number is 6768, the airport is preparing to cut Andersen bombed factory auto repair after 15 minutes when a rocket-SA 75M next burst. Aircraft missile fragments penetrated several places. But it tried to crawl to Utapao airport - Thailand. The material record is not entirely clear of the bomb on the plane crew was pouring go.
A few minutes later the B-52G squadron "Than" 01 (number 8201), was flying at an altitude of 34 000 ft (10km) exploded two bombs hit by V-750 rocket plane up pouring before bombs down the Yen Vien Railway Station. After nearly a minute of the bombers burst into pieces and fall to the territory Kim Anh district, Vinh Phuc. 3 6 pilots in the crew could parachute, but was taken prisoner and prisoners as well as 3 of the first strategic air force United States. Destroy the flying fortress is 59 missile battalions of Air Defense-Air Force. Correct pieces of the aircraft currently in the Museum of Military History in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Monday attack by 30 G Flying Fortress and the base B52D Andersen. Time is nearly midnight, the goal is still the point of attack bomber first. Flying high above 38 500 ft (11.734km) "Orange" 02 (B-52G serial number 8246) was poured down the whole bomb targets and began gliding back round, a rocket warhead exploded the V-750 left. Missile tore off pieces and puncture resistance on their barrels. Two fire engines were chopped into several pieces broken array. The plane caught fire, but the captain was trying to keep driving, get out of the fire and maintain the flight direction of Thailand. Crew parachuted down Tonkin Gulf and the rescue forces of the U.S. Navy picked up, taken to Utapao, then moved to Andersen - Guam.
While the crew "Cam" 02 parachute, the 3rd attack of the U.S. Air Force with 51 B-52 D aircraft and G. 21 units from Thailand attacked downtown Hanoi.
The B-52's "Roses" 01 (number 6608) took off at 02:46 GMT at the base Utapao Thailand. At 4h56 hour from Hanoi released 108 to 340kg bomb Hanoi. The B-52 aircraft flying as being stable parade and become excellent targets for missile soldiers. The B-52D aircraft entered the area of the 11 battalion fire missiles SA-75M. A series of batch launcher launcher kill target. On the plane, the 20 mm gunner in plane stern, capable of observing the entire hemisphere behind the plane, clear the route traces the trajectory of the missile, the missile especially through the thick cloud layer. A rocket flies between the smoke from the engine right side and tail plane Roses "01, the gunner could only report the growth (rocket flying too close ..), the missile warhead Monday , followed by bullets flying first blow to the left side of the B-52 when it began hovering round exit.
Rocket shrapnel had cut all the lines in the fuselage, creating hundreds of holes in the fuselage. There are holes so big in diameter, so that the pilot can observe the holder bomb left under way. In a fire the pilot cabin, Rose "01 is not all well within ½ cycle, the entire crew rushed parachute escape. The plane crashed about 9 km southwest of Hanoi, Thanh Oai village (Ha Tay then). 4 of the following pilots arrested in the night, Fragments aircraft on display in the museum rooms - Air Force Hanoi.
In January 1996, the organization seeking missing Americans and Vietnamese colleagues dug down position of "Roses" 01, collected the remains of Sergeant Charlie Poole, auto tail gunner plane . The search was conducted to collect laboratory tests at the center of the Hikam Air Force Base on the Hawaii Islands.
The "Stratofortress" "Rainbow" 01 (B-52D, serial number 6583) was injured by the missiles hit at a height of 34000 ft. (11km) on the way targeted approach - train repair factory in Gia Lam Ha Noi, the routes of 01 passing Rainbow size of the emission region 6 rocket launchers SA-75M. Aircraft severely damaged but try dragging the Utapao and landed. ...
The threat of the night
The goal of the second night raids "Stratofortress" and included factory auto repair Business Efforts, Radio Voice of Vietnam in Hanoi, Yen Vien station, transit station in Bac Giang and Thai Nguyen thermal power plant (55km west of Hanoi). The Flying Fortress offensive onslaught by 3 with 21, 36 and 36 aircraft per round. Team flying in the top 3, top spacing is 500 ft in height and spacing with leading aircraft about 1 mile, the distance between aircraft as well as 1 mile.
The first attack aircraft, including 12 B-52D and B-52G 9 aircraft from bases Andersen, at 20h10 in Hanoi time the B-52 approaching automobile repair plant and pouring down rain 340 kg bombs on target. From the bottom of dozens of S-75 missile was launched, but not effective, the B-52 aircraft safely escape the fire.
2nd attack targeted include Bac Giang transshipment station and the city center of Hanoi, 36 B 52 to 21 planes this B-52G machine from Guam, 15 aircraft from Thailand. According to the general plan will meet the team and organization fighting on the outskirts of Hanoi.
Starting at 23h50 in Hanoi time, bombs rain down continuously for 25 minutes at the designated target. And missile air defense forces responded fiercely, the B-52D pilots count 25 turns missile. The flight crew followed confirmed this. But fleet "Elephant Bones" (B52D, Utapao base) is tasked to bomb Hanoi center, making the task has fallen to near 10 border fighting SA-75M missile.
One small note: The commander of the U.S. Air Force raids experienced by fighter bombers have understood, common area damage, destruction of the S-75 is a reporter position E bullet about 15 to 18 km of the missile division. Therefore, the B-52 crew was taking orders at the time the area is capable missile SA-75M turn off all power stations jamming and electronic warfare, used to combat radar result of rocket fire SNR-75, and not through the front air ...
The plane of the "Elephant Bones" before approaching the target on Street Fighter retains squad squadron. The crew detected between 25 and 40 SA-75M missile was launched. Approximately 10 seconds after vent 108 340 kg bombs on the 11.5 km altitude, B-52D "Elephant Bones" 01 (number 6592) began turning over more than escapism goals. This is the time of the missile monitoring conditions clearly detected by the steering target, reflecting the effect of B-52 is the largest. Not a pilot on "Elephant Bones" discovered 01 rocket plane launched next. Block piece of rocket explosions detonated at a distance of 50-100 ft from the tail plane, causing engine stall, and every link fuselage with heavy losses. But the B-52 hovering around trying to escape, "down with" 01 receive 1 rocket, but the explosion occurred above the plane, so that no significant losses, the "down with" 01 pallete are based on the South Fong Thailand.
The three B-52G, rear air fleet "Elephant Bones" in the squadron "Nuts" two of the three aircraft are equipped with electronic jamming devices than older. The plane approached the Radio Voice of Vietnam on 9 mile distance from the left deflected orbital routes have been mapped out. About 13 miles to the bomb location, "Nuts" 03 (number 8254) on high 11.243km SA-75 missiles hit, V-750 warhead makes the aircraft extremely vulnerable. Disasters occur when the aircraft broke formation flight of bombers, deviates from the bar available to orbit toward the target, should be separated from the background noise camouflage, and interference devices voice is not strong enough. As a result of monitoring missile identified B-52 shot down on the noise and.
In addition, the squadron "Nuts" was carried out in the border region of several radiation stimulus SA-75M missile. It should have said: "Nuts" 03 B-52G aircraft is only hurt by V-750 warhead explosion near adjacent, fortunately causing no injuries B-52 crashed on the spot.
3rd attack included 15 Stratofortress B-52D and 6-B52G from Andersen Air Force Base, 15 B-52D from Utapao base. 9 B-52D took off from Guam with bombing missions Yen Vien station, east of the Red River. Goals air station in 1116 was 340 kg bomb, and it takes about 8 minutes. The crew did not detect the missile was launched.
When the explosion in the area coming to an end, Me, 27, a B-52 bomber preparing Thai Nguyen thermal power plant, 35 miles (55km) from Hanoi. Stratofortress crew of a spark detection of SA-75 missile was launched, but no explosion. Only the aircraft to the base, mechanics and pilots discovered the "Rainbow" 01, and arm yourself with the V-750 missile fragments penetrated from the 30-35 loss.
The American pilots were recorded during days 19-12 battle with 182 missiles were launched. But only 2 B-52 aircraft were injured, and no one yet is shot down, it makes the air force commander and the executive body combat "linebacker II 'still deciding which route to fly by night 20-12 days. That led to a tragedy for the B-52, B-52 G 4 and 2 B-52D crashed on the spot, while the B-52D was one piece SA-75 missiles hash riddled beating right to Utapao.
Defeat of the 'Flying Fortress'
The conditions of the battlefield situation worsened with B-52. On 20-12, 99 Stratofortress the fly to Vietnam in 3 attacks. The first attack consists of 6 B-12 B-52D and 52G from Andersen bases, 15 bases from the Utapao is responsible for bombing a train repair factory in Gia Lam, Hanoi. Two 6 Squadron B-52 bombers from Guam to the factory, flew over the battlefield of dozens of missiles SA-75M, but the border is only 4 rocket attacks and no losses.
But the very bad conditions for goals Yen Vien Railway Station and depot is next to the fan. 27 B-52 is divided into a top 9 top 3 aircraft plunged into the fire through dense 1 SAM-2 missiles, the crew count to 130 rockets were launched.
Define 'Flying Fortress' B-52 was shot down over Hanoi.
Squadron "Quilts" G 3 B-52, flying at an altitude of 35,000 feet (10, 688km) as squadron leader, two B-52 does not have the equipment best jamming, "Quilts "03 (number 6496, while the" Quilts "01 the start of the transition from combat to the emergence of problems with parts made radio noise, however, the sensors create interference with radio radar missiles still lead stable operation, the "Quilts" 02 focused on the power frequency interference and the resulting fire missile control radar stations broadcast RSNA-75M.
Crew defenses were breached dense missile forces Vietnam protection goals (identified 16 missiles were launched). The aircraft broke after pouring bombs fold corner to escape the battlefield, "Quilts" 03 missiles hit. 10 seconds after the pilot shut the door bombing on B-52 bombing, missile crashed into the left side of the plane. Pressure in the pipeline about the control and direction of the plane fell by 0. The speed at which the aircraft's flight is 900 km / h. The plane dropped altitude of 20000 feet (6km). Captain ordered to jump though, four pilots were arrested as soon as the ground and returned in May 3-1973. Two pilots were killed when missiles hit the plane. Their bodies were returned home after the signing of the Paris Agreement.
Four forts squadron after squadron flying "Quilts" squadron then "Brass" 3 units, of which only a B-52G is equipped with jamming devices. Squadron flight trajectory deviates from the prescribed route from 4-7 miles to the left, so the flight crew on the road surface to air missiles and that is concentrating firepower on their side should beat deflector to reduce reduce the risk of destruction. When the squadron bombed the target, 40 seconds later, when the plane steering escapism objectives, team fights broke down due to "Brass" 01 leaving the team fought against the 6 mile " Brass "02, immediately," Brass "02 (number 6481) with two SA-75 missiles hit.
The volume of the rocket explosion ripped off the right side of the Stratofortress, the second rocket explosion near the right rear of the aircraft, crew, after the explosion, when observers discovered four engines of the aircraft have been destroyed canceled. Speed dropped to 250 knots aircraft (463km / h) and aircraft encountered wind resistance with great speed, 5 minutes later 2 engine and continue steaming dead. Captain tried to put on heavy aircraft flight mode under dynamic journey and trying to crawl peripheral Nam Phong base in Thailand, at sea off the plane crew parachuted and then force Navy rescuers recovered the next day aircraft KC-135 tanker pilots returned to base Andersen. Before Christmas, the crew moved to the U.S. base.
Squadron "Cam" B-52D, took off from Utapao air base squadrons soon followed by brass, as "Cam" 01 and "Orange" was up 02 bombs poured down the Yen Vien station and conducted more than escapism corner cracking target, then chart the direction of the electromagnetic jamming sensors on aircraft not afford against radar stations to detect targets RSNA - 75M and cover for the "Orange" 03 number 6622. The plane has just finished pouring the whole body down target and bombs are flying at an altitude of 35500 ft (10,082 km) at the same time being hit by two missiles. The plane caught fire and spin around, explode. The falling debris Yen Thuong. Two pilots parachuted from the plane was immediately taken prisoner and was returned in 1973. The fate of the remaining 4 were non-missing.
Also be noted that: On the fly, the B-52 crew discovered many times MiG, but the MiG hardly fought, in the opinion of the B-52 pilots, aircraft MiG role reconnaissance, observation only, the team determined the speed, height, direction of flight of the B-52 squadron commander for the Ministry of Defense - Vietnam Air Force.
Of course, the 2nd attack took place not without concern of monitoring missile Vietnam. 9 B-52D, 18 B-52G (all sorties from Andersen airport) station bombed Hanoi, Bac Giang transshipment terminal and Thai Nguyen thermal power plant. Formation of this attack is not heavy losses by retaining the team fight. Headquarters and staff bombing campaign of the U.S. Air Force found that not all of the B-52G aircraft are equipped with the equipment electronic warfare, have sufficient capacity to resist the radio result of the missile radars Non Vietnam. So, 6 B-52G aircraft are used to shield interfere with other aircraft bombing, so the 2nd attack, the B-52 is not lost.
But the 3rd attack, the bombers are not as lucky as the 2nd round, with 12 B-52G, B-52D from 9 bases Andersen, 18 B-52D from Utapao base, in 16 minutes on the bombing sky Vietnam suffered heavy losses. 9 B-52D steel block threw down death Hanoi railway station, the B-52 Thursday over 35500 feet altitude (10,822 km) Squadron "Straw" 02 (number 6669), aircraft crew This flight barely notice 4 SA-75 missiles flying slider beside the 5th rocket exploded. The explosion occurred a few seconds after the ill-fated aircraft had bombed targets venting and start qualifying escapism goals.
"Straw" 02 lost just two engines, aircraft maintenance flight was about 30 minutes, the crew that helped drag the border to Vietnam - Laos, the entire crew parachuted before the plane exploded. 5 out of 6 pilots helicopter rescue HH-53 rescue, radar-bombing pilots missing until today, quite capable pilots died. There is absolutely no possibility that the pilots were arrested, until the end of the war, more than 500 Americans that their traces disappear. Crew of "Straw" 02 confirmed and 18 SAM missiles were launched toward the plane.
The three B-52G squadron "Olive" the goal is to plant auto repair Business Efforts at 23h12 in Hanoi time. The distance between the air in the direction of the plane is from 2 to 3 miles. "Olive" 01, serial number 8198 is flying at an altitude of 35,000 feet (10.6 km). The B-52 aircraft is a leader in the attack, the number of bombs vent 750 pounds (340kg), B-52 folding steering escape from the target, was immediately hit by one missile SA-75M . That happens when the "olive" 03 points are bombing and "olive" 02 approximately 2 miles on route. Using jamming devices to prevent beam radar identified key goals and led missile radar. Both "olive" 02 and 03 squadrons were notified of being irradiated RSNA-75 missile radar 1 01 minutes before bombing began. As determined by the crew, fleet size by 7 people receiving radiation missile SA-75M, with 38-to-air missiles.
The cause of death "olive" 01 is not keeping the team while conducting combat aerial, angle and sharp turns of the B-52 target as escapism. Three successful pilot parachuted and was captured, two pilots were returned in May 3-1973. After the war ended, Vietnam has returned the ashes of pilot pitches 3rd, died in prison during the period.
8 minutes later squadron "olive" was Squadron "Brown Grey" plane B-52G 03 (number 8169) flying at an altitude of 36000ft (11km). This aircraft is indeed unfortunate: First, the aircraft is equipped with electronic warfare equipment, jamming has been upgraded and still have no training involved, taking off, broken radar target . When air, the aircraft was removed from the team fight, leaning against the right side orbital route around 4 miles away from regulation. "Brown Grey" 03 was flying from the remaining two members of the crew of about 6 miles, the missile hit, the explosion of ammunition V-750 has torn the whole plane. The only escape is death pilots firepower tail plane, with a period certain magic has sprung up though. The pilot was arrested and was returned in January 3-1973.
Among the targets in Hanoi, scheduled on 20-12-1972 bombed, with petroleum storage Gia Thuong. Squadron "Brick" will shift the final round of night bombing raids. When three B-52D aircraft began circling escapism goals, 4 SA-75M missile lunged. The explosion of warheads created hundreds of holes on the right hand side of the "Brick" 02 (number 5067), was flying at an altitude of 35,000 feet (10, 6km). Crew tried to pull the plane to the base Utapao.
Darkest days of the U.S. Air Force
On 20-12-1972 ... to this day is considered to be one of the blackday (dark days) of the U.S. Air Force, the United States has lost a large number of B-52 in the history of postwar in a time not set.
In northern Vietnam on 21-12-1972. Derived from Utapao airport is the B-52D aircraft, equipped with electronic warfare equipment new. 30 the flying fortress to the predetermined target is Quang Te airport (6 pcs) Bach Mai airport (12 units), the warehouse in Van Dien (12 units) in the area around Hanoi at 3h33 - 3h48 local time.
Heights of flight itinerary has changed over the first 3 night air. On 21-12-1972 the formation of B-52s flying in the range of 33500 ft to 38000 ft (10, 21km - 11.58 km). Spacing between the time the fleet was reduced from 4 minutes to fly to 90-120 seconds. This allows the B-52 aircraft with shortening conditions present on the target (ie the area of missile warfare) to 15 minutes instead of 30-40 minutes. The plane carried no sharp turns that break away goal by continuing nonstop routes to North Bay, then moved toward Thailand.
At 3h33 aircraft B-52D first bombs began pouring Quang Te airport. Crew informed the two border rocket fire but misses the target. After 12 minutes B-52D aircraft began attacking the warehouse complex in Van Dien. This time the B-52 crew was attacked by surface to air missiles, B-52 is due to the size of the area 12 border radiation missile, but the missile did not reach high performance combat, the B 12 -52 escape safely.
But top plane hit Bach Mai airport is not so lucky. At the height of 36500 ft (11.12 km) in the process of transition to attack aircraft "Red" 01 number 55-0061 detection radar system malfunctioning in the viewfinder target. Proceed to bomb targets accurately perform aircraft. To make a bomb should have a B-52 aircraft in the fleet to locate additional points, "Red" 01 announcement will take place immediately after "Red" 02, due to the aircraft's radar viewfinder 02 active well, can allow 01 precision bombing.
During that time, the team "Red" 03 behind flight 01 and 02 on a 6 mile stretch, anti-aircraft guns firing continuously at 01 and 02 (not effective). One of the device's pulsing electronic warfare system on the 03 is broken, then the sensors on 01 and 02 notice, airplanes are being irradiated by RSNA-75M radar missiles. Crew of "Red" directly see the fire and rocket launchers on the ground. The pilot identified as 15 V-750 missiles. A plane crashed into the rocket exploded 03 and at 3h43 local time. "Red" does not have enough 60 seconds 03 flying bombs to target and vent.
3 pilots of "Red" 03 parachute and was taken prisoner. 3-1973 was returned in May. Three other missing pilot. After the Vietnam returned the remains of the two pilots. The fate of the 3rd pilots to this day no one knows.
After 3 minutes of "Red" attack target, Squadron "Green" to the target, the pilot at an altitude of 34000ft fleet (1.03 km). Crew "Green" B-52D serial number 55-0050 flew the first attack of the war Linebacker II (non-payroll team in "Orange") while flying their aircraft before flight 'Roses "01, the aircraft was destroyed.
While preparing sorties, Captain "Green" 01 - Lt. Col. John Yuill inform the pilots that the crew "Roses" was arrested. Familiarity and experience with the specific features of the airplane on fire lieutenant colonel helped Yuill right decision, the entire crew survived.
"Green" 01 bomber targeted approach, was immediately attacked by 6-7 S-75 rockets. A missile warheads exploded under the fuselage, the crew was ordered by rapid parachute. Flying Fortress was shot down before the bombing about 30 seconds.
On "Green" has two sensors 01's electronic warfare equipment damaged Re5., But the remaining equipment (more than 10 sensors) pulse generators, 02 and 03 have used jamming devices actively maximum extent . the two B-52 aircraft will turn 3 sensor voltage pulse mode frequency of the radio wave radar missiles. When Blue Squadron approaching bombers target maneuver made to avoid missiles. All three aircraft team will keep fighting and flying in orbit warfare are outlined., but 01 were killed. As such, the technical action to avoid the missiles could have happened so urgent. Simultaneously, the journey fighter's "Green" to go through the fire of the border near 9 SA-75M missiles.
Results and evaluation
Contemplating the reasons for defeat of the U.S. Air Force Vietnam sky, can draw the following conclusions: From 9 B-52 aircraft was shot down in the air for 3 nights, 6 Stratofortress aircraft was shot down by surface-to-air missiles are made within gliding than escapism goals, breaking a 45 degree angle. As the plane circled higher, the intensity of the pulse jamming equipment and electronic warfare, jamming the B-52 on radar-guided 75 goals RSNA down low. 7 5% of B-52G aircraft were shot down, not mounted equipment electronic warfare renovated.
During strikes, weather and meteorological huge impact, because the wind was against a very high speed (180km / h) above 10 km altitude, altitude B-52 aircraft in three intense raids , Effects of passive noise down very low. The fighters - F-4 Fantom bomber, scattered interference with passive tasks. But strong winds blew the cloud of metallic diffraction. It helps to control the radar of the SA-75M missile with better conditions to detect B-52 aircraft in the dense noise.
In order to accurately attack targets in free-fall bombs can not control the auxiliary equipment is watching radar machine. B-52 aircraft are required to keep the standard route and altitude. These are great conditions for monitoring the radar - 1 missile for a giant flying fortress, subsonic cruise speed and low mobility. Actually have 3 to 4 squadrons new aircraft performance using active jamming and passive for RSNA-75 radar stations, jamming devices of B-52 aircraft can only confounding effect if the plane flew directly to the media room with the parameters values of 0 and is at an altitude of 10 -11 km.
When pouring bombs aircraft and escape from the target ring, the effect of jamming equipment plummeted. Had decided that the squadron began hovering over the target escapism 2nd squadron will cause interference shielding and enhance fleet ahead. Also in the rotation plane reflectivity of aircraft performance and increase the ability to detect and target lock grip significantly increased. At the same time, the effective reflection coefficient also increases as the plane began to open the bomb bay doors.
So heavy losses bomber B-52 force General Staff U.S. Air Force to study the use of tactical bombers B-52. The subsequent loss of expensive aircraft is not acceptable. To continue to strike North Vietnam by bomber B-52 requires a fundamental change in the mining and use of B-52 Flying Fortress.
After the Linebacker II, the bombing by B-52 aircraft from bases Andersen ended. B-52 combat only participate in the Arc Light campaign, bombing targets in the area of South Vietnam. The number of jamming aircraft increased from 8 to 12 aircraft. The number of combat support aircraft increased from 39 to 58.
That is a number of events unfolded on the flight deck of the B-52 bomber during Hanoi, according to the press accreditation of the U.S. Air Force, has 15 B-52 aircraft was shot down and 11 other tactical aircraft fate. However, as announced by Vietnam, there were 34 B-52 aircraft and 47 different types of aircraft were shot down. Hanoi and Haiphong, also heavy losses of life and property caused by munitions facilities, including factories, hospitals, schools, residential areas, civil works and civil.
