|Air Combat Command's B-52 is a bomber that can perform a
variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high
subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6
meters). It can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional
ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability. In a
conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform strategic attack,
air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations.
During Desert Storm, B-52s delivered 40 percent of all the
weapons dropped by coalition forces. It is highly effective when
used for ocean surveillance, and can assist the U.S. Navy in
anti-ship and mine-laying operations. Two B-52s, in two hours,
can monitor 140,000 square miles (364,000 square kilometers) of
ocean surface. All B-52s are equipped with an electro-optical
viewing system that uses platinum silicide forward-looking
infrared and high resolution low-light-level television sensors
to augment targeting, battle assessment, and flight safety, thus
further improving its combat abili