Land-based Aircraft
B-2 SPIRIT (multi-role bomber)
Because of its long range, stealthiness and capability to launch precision munitions, the B-2 is the most likely candidate should the United States decide to launch air strikes from the continental United States.
B-1B LANCER (multi-role bomber)
Capable of supersonic flight, the B-1 can deliver both precision and unguided munitions, and is able to operate from forward bases.
B-52 STRATOFORTRESS (long-range, heavy bomber)
Although not a stealthy aircraft, the B-52 carries a large bomb load and is capable of delivering a wide range of weapons, including air-launched cruise missiles. In addition, it is capable of operating from forward bases in Europe and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
A/OA 10 Thunderbolt II (strike fighter)
The A/OA 10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the "Warthog," is a fixed wing, twin engine jet aircraft specifically designed to provide close air support for ground forces. With a 30mm GAU 8/A Gatling gun, excellent maneuverability at low speeds and altitude, and Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS), the Thunderbolt is effective against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The Thunderbolt is highly survivable; titanium armor protects the pilot and some of the flight control systems, and the aircraft have a reinforced primary structure. The Thunderbolt had a 95.7 percent mission capable rate during the Gulf War and provided key air support for ground forces during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Noble Anvil. It is currently being used for operations in Afghanistan.
F-117A Nighthawk (strike fighter)
The F-117A Nighthawk is a single seat, twin engine, fixed wing attack aircraft designed to exploit low-observable stealth technology. Equipped with laser guided weapons, digitally linked navigation and attack systems and a specially designed automated mission planning system, the F-117A is able to penetrate high threat airspace and strike critical targets with precision. Its ability to refuel in flight adds to its versatility. Nighthawks flew about 1,300 sorties during Operation Desert Storm and were the only aircraft to strike targets in downtown Baghdad. They also led the first Allied strikes in Yugoslavia in 1999.
AC-130H/U Spectre and Spooky (gunship)
The AC-130H/U gunship is a fixed wing attack aircraft primarily used to provide close air support for ground troops, air interdiction and force protection. AC-130 gunships are heavily armed; both models carry a 40mm and 105mm cannon, and the AC-130U ("Spooky") has an additional 25mm gun and twice the munitions capacity of the AC 130H ("Spectre"). With sophisticated sensor, navigation and fire control systems, AC-130 gunships are able to operate effectively at night and in adverse weather conditions. AC-130 gunships have a combat history dating back to the Vietnam War and provided close air support and force protection for ground forces during Operation Desert Storm. Recently, AC-130 gunships provided support for the NATO mission in Bosnia Herzegovina, and are currently assisting operations in Afghanistan.
F-15 E STRIKE EAGLE (Pictured; dual-role fighter: air-to-air, air-to ground) and the
F-16 FIGHTING FALCON (compact, multi-role fighter)
Versatile strike aircraft which can carry a wide range of precision munitions. As short-range aircraft, these would require access to forward air bases.
E-3 SENTRY (AWACS)
Provides all-weather airborne early warning and command and control.
KC-135 STRATOTANKER (refueler)
The backbone of the Air Force's tanker fleet, the KC-135 would be a part of virtually any strike package, whether it be re-fueling long-range bombers on their flights to and from the target, or "topping off" short-range strike aircraft before they go in to the target area.
Combat Vessels
CVN-68 Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier
The centerpiece of the U.S. Navy's carrier battle group, capable of launching powerful air strikes against inland targets while remaining safely out at sea.
CG-47 Ticonderoga Class Cruiser
Capable of area air defense, anti-ship warfare and land attack.
DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer
Capable of area air defense, anti-ship warfare and land attack.
SSN-688 Los Angeles Class Submarine
Capable of anti-ship warfare and land attack. Capable of launching cruise missiles while either surfaced or submerged.
Carrier-based Aircraft
F-14 TOMCAT (multi-role strike fighter)
An air superiority and ground attack fighter capable of speeds in excess of Mach 2.
F/A-18 HORNET (all-weather fighter and attack aircraft)
A versatile fighter capable of air-to-air combat and ground attack.
EA-6B PROWLER (electronic warfare aircraft)
Supports both Navy and Air Force strike missions by jamming enemy radar, electronic data links and communications.
Precision Munitions
TOMAHAWK CRUISE MISSILE
Tomahawk missiles can find targets up to 1,000 miles away with guidance Earth-orbiting satellites and are capable of travelling at up to 550mph.
JOINT DIRECT ATTACK MUNITION (JDAM)
A guidance tail kit that converts existing unguided free-fall bombs into accurate, adverse weather "smart" munitions, JDAM improves the accuracy of unguided, general purpose bombs in any weather condition.
JOINT STANDOFF WEAPON (JSOW)
Employing a tightly coupled Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation System (INS), the JSOW is capable of day/night and adverse weather operations, deployable from both carrier- and land-based aircraft.
Compiled by:
Christopher Hellman
CDI Senior Analyst
chellman@cdi.org
Emily Clark
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