Even if B-52s have been used to test it, the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is the only aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory currently capable to carry and release the heaviest U.S. bomb, the 30,000-lb GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP).
The heavy GBU-57 is a 20-foot long GPS-guided bomb believed to be able to penetrate 200 feet of concrete before exploding, thus being capable to hit and destroy deeply buried targets.
Like bunkers in Iran, Syria or North Korea….
There are not many images showing the GBU-57 and even less show the MOP next to its intended platform. That’s why the top image, taken by Jim Mumaw in Jul. 2009, is extremely interesting and rare.
Image credit: Jim Mumaw
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Why can’t the B52 or at the very least the B-1 carry it? I know their payloads are pretty comparable. Bomb bay size?
They didn’t spend the money for combat ready integration with those aircraft. My guess is because the only time it’ll ever be used – it would need to get to the target area via a stealth aircraft.
If you load hat huge munition on the outside of that A/C, the aircraft loses all of its stealth properties.
Yep. That’s why it’s carried internally on the B-2.
Make that sixty feet of concrete — maybe, on a good day.
Here’s hoping you live in a bunker with 59 ft of concrete above it
Hmm I wonder why the B-2 Doesnt go to Guam anymore oh right B-52s still do the job best.
Guams FD cant support a B-2 Fire thats why they aint there anymore.
The B-1 has a significantly larger payload than the B-52.
No. Conventional bombs are generally talked about in terms of their actual weight. Nuclear bombs are also often talked about in terms of their yield, depending on context. Rule of thumb: If the term “kiloton” or “megaton” is used, they’re talking about equivalent yield. If they don’t, they’re talking about weight.
I think sending that up Vladimir Stalin’s ass would be a great idea.