Q&A · 1:46:50-1:50:34

Why bomber volume can matter more than lifting power

Hypothetical Grand Slam loads for the B-52 and B-2 depend on room at external stations and inside the bomb bay.

Question

How many Grand Slam-size bombs could a B-52 or B-2 carry?

Short answer

Perhaps three for a B-52 and one or two for a B-2, as a rough estimate based mainly on physical space.

Notes

The estimate is three Grand Slam-size bombs for a B-52 and one or perhaps two for a B-2. Physical room is the main constraint. The suggested B-52 arrangement places one weapon under each wing root and another in the bomb bay. The B-2's bay dimensions make even two weapons uncertain, with diagonal carriage suggested as a possibility. These are hypothetical arrangements based on space, without a demonstrated installation. A later comparison with the small A-4 Skyhawk reinforces the distinction between an aircraft's size and the weight of weapons it can carry.