Why would you deploy B-2s outside of the country? Does Diego Garcia even have the required climate controlled hangars to store the planes? Point of these planes was take them off from the US and have them return to the US.
If we're using them for Yemen, wouldn't the b-1b be better and cheaper. Much lower operating costs and almost double the payload?
>>Does Diego Garcia even have the required climate controlled hangars to store the planes?
This is plainly stated in the opening of the article:
>Diego Garcia is now the only known location to use the distinctive B2SS or B-2 Shelter System clamshell-style hangars. These hangars are air transportable and can be constructed in around 70 days. RAF Fairford previously had one B2SS hangar, but it was removed after being damaged in high winds (the base still retains two permanent B-2 hangars, similar to those at Whiteman AFB).
The biggest they have is the GBU-57A/B [1] and that will work until 60 meters reinforced concrete. Iran has the facilities under more than 80 to 100 meters and its granite.
Even an upgraded GBU-57A/B that it seems exist, wont be good enough.
Interesting I guess the stealth would be top and bottom right if they have that beyond the horizon radar that bounces off the ionosophere/ground
edit: wonder if there is a phased laser "radar" where it spams a bunch of uniform dots and if some of them don't come back then there's something there
probably wouldn't work, scattering
the other one would be LEO cameras that are scanning the ground for a black dorito
maybe captures aerial disturbance/lines in the sky density change
Not a dumb question at all, it can work from space! I think getting enough return signal and contrast will be the main issues. Both can be solved with a big enough lens, but then cost and maintenance will become an issue. If the system can be optimized beyond needing a single lens per beam than it might be feasible!
Fortuitous timing on your b-1 reference. There was at least one lancer airborne this morning EST time headed North out of Texas. Data did not reflect a refuel supply nearby yet the lancer was broadcasting its location.
If we're using them for Yemen, wouldn't the b-1b be better and cheaper. Much lower operating costs and almost double the payload?