Tech & Auto
These Are The Most Impressive Supersonic Bombers Of All Time
By JUSTIN OWEN
Super Mystère
The French Dussault Super Mystère had a pair of 30mm cannons but the real firepower came from the four hardpoints to which ordnance could be attached.
The payload of up to 5,000 pounds meant it could carry a couple of hefty free-fall bombs or rockets. The first Super Mystère went into service in 1957.
B-1B Lancer
The U.S. Air Force Rockwell B-1B Lancer was capable of carrying a payload of up to 75,000 pounds for up to 6,500 miles before needing in-flight refueling.
Designed to penetrate air defenses by flying below radar, this bomber held more weapons than any other supersonic bomber in the American fleet and had a top speed of Mach 1.2.
B-58 Hustler
As a U.S. Air Force strategic bomber, the Convair B-58 Hustler reached speeds up to Mach 2 and could carry nuclear weapons in a pod or in its under-wing pylons.
The most advanced plane built in its day, it was a high-altitude bomber with a crew of three, a ceiling of 64,800 feet, and a range of 4,400 miles without aerial refueling.
Dassault Mirage IV
The French Mirage had turbojet engines that pushed it up to MACH 2.2. It was limited to that speed due to heat buildup but in theory, could go much faster.
The Mirage IV was built to carry an armament of free-fall bombs, particularly one with a nuclear warhead; it is not equipped with any type of gun or cannon.
Sukhoi Su-34
The Russian Air Force Sukhoi Su-34 has a 30mm cannon and 10 hardpoints for a range of weapons, including air-to-ship, air-to-air, and anti-radiation missiles or bombs.
Thanks to external fuel tanks, it can fly nearly 3,000 miles without refueling. It isn't a stealth fighter, but it is one of the most advanced aircraft in service in Russia today.