Five US weapon systems that The National Interest magazine calls “the most powerful of all time” are included.
1. SR-71 Blackbird
The SR-71 is known for being the fastest plane in the world and for having exceptional stealth capability. It incorporates four stealth features and has a top speed of Mach 3.2.
First off, the surface of the plane can stop hostile radar pulses from returning to the receiver.
Second, titanium and composite materials were used to create the wings, tail, and fuselage in order to absorb radar radiation.
Third, the aircraft engine component is neatly positioned close to the fuselage, minimising the chance of being picked up by radar.
The SR-71’s black paint is covered in tiny ferrite iron particles, which is the final characteristic. This paint is what gives the SR-71 its distinctive appearance, sometimes known as the “black bird.”
This paint colour is supposed to reduce the radar cross-section. This demonstrates how well the radar can pick up on an object. The F-15 Eagle is 100m2, whereas the SR-71 has this value of less than 10m2.
2. F-117 Nighthawk
With outstanding stealth capabilities that make it effective in blasting missions, communication centres, defensive systems, and armouries, the F-117 was built from the top-secret project Have Blue.
Its extremely unique aerodynamic shape allows for the scattering of radar wavelengths, making it challenging for electronic surveillance equipment to pick up the aircraft.
In 1989, the F-117 made its combat debut. The F-117’s subsequent combat mission flights occurred early in the 1990s during Operation Desert Storm, the name given to the significant US-led invasion of Iraq.
Additionally, it carried out tasks for Operation Freedom for Iraq in 2003 and Kosovo in 1999. In 2008, the US “retired” this model of aircraft.
3. B-2 Spirit
The B-2 Spirit, which debuted in 1988, is regarded as America’s first official stealth strategic bomber. Its lack of a tail lessens the likelihood that it will be picked up by hostile radar.
The B61 gravity nuclear weapon, the JDAM bomb, or the GBU-57A/B heavy bomb can all be carried by this aircraft (more than 13 tons).
Kosovo hosted the B-2’s initial combat mission in 1999. Additionally, the B-2 supported Freedom for Iraq and Operation Immortal Freedom. During Operation Odyssey Dawn in 2011, three B-2s operating from the US mainland bombed a Libyan airfield.
4. F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor was built as a fighter, unlike other stealth aircraft from the US like the F-117 and B-2, which used stealth to give them a distinct advantage. pivotal in aerial combat.
Radar absorption is minimised in the F-22. According to National Interest, the F-22’s stealth capability will enable it to quickly exceed existing and envisioned future fighters to rank among the greatest in the world.
5.Ohio-Class nuclear Submarines
The US Ohio-class nuclear submarine, in the opinion of National Interest, possesses the most potent mix of stealth and enemy damage.
The Ohio submarine is the biggest submarine that the US has ever produced. To enable the ship to move rapidly while making little noise, the hull is shaped like a fish. Noise-making equipment is put in a soundproof space.
Launchers for nuclear missiles are positioned along the hull to minimise noise. The Ohio-class ships also have two steam turbines, one of which aids in the ship’s silent operation.