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B-52 internal stores configs?


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How exactly are the internal stores of the B-52 configured these days? I found some data sheets that told me how many of each type of bomb could be carried, but I haven't been able to find any pictures of anything except the nuclear options and 84-bomb conventional loads. What about those conventional munitions that *aren't* loaded in a full up 3x3x3 configuration or on the rotary launcher?

Right now I'm specifically looking for info on how the CBU-87/89/97 family and the 2000 lb JDAM are loaded inside the bay - the tables say the B-52H can load six of these internally, but I can't picture it in my head where the weapons would go, and how they get only six to fit... Does anyone have any pics for me? (Working on a 3D model for a game right now)...

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Different weapons require different carriage configurations. Google searches will net you a plethora of images and information if you enter the right search terms.

JDAM and other large (2000 pound or larger type weapons) stores are carried on the same rotary launcher that previously carried the cruise missiles.

When convention munitions such as the Mk 80 series, M117 with the standard fin or retarder fin assembly (and the Ballute) are carried, the rotary launcher is removed and replaced with bomb racks that hold several bombs in a stacked configuration not much different from the old WW2 bombers.

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  • 2 weeks later...

This is Vietnam era, but take a look at this:

http://www.war-stories.com/b52-poss-rolling-thunder-1965.htm

If you divide the bay into left and right halves, imagine a line through the middle of each half (25% and 75%), they have installed ladder-racks extending down. The bombs are mounted with the mounting loops angled in towards these ladder racks, and they stack upward like so....

Interesting that they don't mount to the outside walls, nor do they mount directly to a shallow roof like the Lancaster does.

Here's a view of the rack outside of the bomb bay:

http://guamagentorange.info/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/B-52-bomb_rack.150183745_std.JPG

Another pre-loaded rack with narrower bombs so you can load more:

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r637/Striker8241/B52-Bomb-Load.jpg

Here's a rack (non-rotary) for missiles:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/B-61_bomb_rack.jpg

It looks like the sway braces and arms fold away so the one above can drop freely.

Not sure if that's along the lines of what you were looking for, but that's all I have, reference wise.

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Another pre-loaded rack with narrower bombs so you can load more:

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r637/Striker8241/B52-Bomb-Load.jpg

Here's a rack (non-rotary) for missiles:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/B-61_bomb_rack.jpg

It looks like the sway braces and arms fold away so the one above can drop freely.

Mark-

The one with the Mk 82's looks to have about 14,000 lbs of bombs on it. I think the Big belly B-52D's could take three of these packages in the bomb bay, for a total of 84 bombs inside. Add the 24 on the wings and that brings us to 108 bombs, or 27 tons of bang!

The rack of four is for B61 nuclear bombs; these are not missiles. They fall by gravity, just like a conventional munition. Most versions have a parachute to let the bomb down more slowly so the dropping aircraft can escape the blast. I do believe you are correct about the trapeze on the bottom two, it swings away to let the top two drop cleanly.

Looking at the B-52D in the first of these two pictures there is a huge contrast in the sheen of the black paint. I imagine this is a result of touch up. Would be very hard to do on a finished model due to the tiny size of these features in 1/72 - imagine it in 1/144!

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Did they ever go through with the upgrades for things like JDAMs being used internally?

Knew it was in test and development, tho not sure if it made it to the field.

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