The US sends iconic machines to South Korea. There is an important reason
The American long-range strategic bomber B-52 landed in South Korea for the first time in history. The appearance of this aircraft in the region, as well as other iconic American aircraft, is connected with the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the USA and South Korea. On this occasion, during the 2023 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition, there will be an air force show from both countries.
Oct 17, 2023 | updated: 3:13 AM EST, November 30, 2023
American airplanes in South Korea
On Tuesday, October 17, a US strategic bomber B-52H Stratofortress arrived in South Korea. The aircraft will participate in the 2023 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX), which will be held from October 17 to October 22 at an airbase in Seoul. As emphasized by the Air And Space Forces service, citing information from Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), the US Air Forces will also present other types of aircraft during the event, including (but this list may be modified):
- F-22 Raptor,
- F-16 Fighting Falcon,
- A-10 Thunderbolt II,
- C-17 Globemaster III,
- C-5 Galaxy,
- KC-135 Stratotanker,
- U-2 Dragon Lady,
- E-3 Sentry,
- CH-47F Chinook,
- AH-64 Apache,
- F-35B Lighting II,
- Growler E/A-18.
Historical landing of B-52 in South Korea
The Air And Space Forces service reminds that the B-52 bomber has never landed in South Korea before. However, it participated in exercises conducted near the Korean Peninsula at the end of last June. In addition to it, American F-16 and F-15E fighters, as well as South Korean F-35A and KF-16, participated in the maneuvers. The American machine also participated in training conducted over the Korean Peninsula in July.
The USA sent a B-52H Stratofortress to South Korea. This is the latest variant of the B-52, that is, the iconic Cold War bomber. The B-52H can fly at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 49,770 feet. It is also adapted for carrying both conventional weaponry and nuclear.
It's worth mentioning that the B-52 supplied 40 percent of all weapons dropped by coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm. The B-52 is 159 feet in length, approximately 41 feet tall, and has a wingspan of 185 feet. The bomber is equipped with 8 Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3/103 turbofan engines. It can fly at speeds exceeding even 620 miles per hour and can carry about 34 tons of aerial ammunition. Additionally, it's unrivaled in terms of flight hour costs, and it's also inexpensive to maintain and reliable, maintaining a very high readiness ratio.
