GrauGeist
Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung
And like I mentioned earlier, their mission profile (as well as countermeasures) have changed considerably since their inception.
We won't be seeing these bombers striking at targets en-masse anymore. Additionally, free-fall bombs is no longer a primary warload, either. Nowdays, it's smart-bombs, cruise-missiles and other stand-off ordnance.
In a modern conflict, we'll see a composite effort, where, for example, the F-35 will eliminate AAA & SAM sites while the F-22 maintains top cover, followed by elements such as the B-2 for precision target elimination - once the lead elements have successfully neutralized threats, then the B-52 will conduct deep cleaning.
And to be entirely honest, the B-17, B-24 and B-29 operated in hostile airspace and still acheived success. There was a price to be paid, of course but again, that was a different time and a different strategy.
We won't be seeing these bombers striking at targets en-masse anymore. Additionally, free-fall bombs is no longer a primary warload, either. Nowdays, it's smart-bombs, cruise-missiles and other stand-off ordnance.
In a modern conflict, we'll see a composite effort, where, for example, the F-35 will eliminate AAA & SAM sites while the F-22 maintains top cover, followed by elements such as the B-2 for precision target elimination - once the lead elements have successfully neutralized threats, then the B-52 will conduct deep cleaning.
And to be entirely honest, the B-17, B-24 and B-29 operated in hostile airspace and still acheived success. There was a price to be paid, of course but again, that was a different time and a different strategy.