The B-2 Spirit is the first aircraft in U.S. history that can carry the modernised B61-12 thermonuclear bomb

The US has officially allowed B-2 Spirit strategic bombers to use B61-12 thermonuclear bombs. This was announced by the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Here's What We Know

The B-2 is a carrier of the B61-7, B61-11 and B83-1 bombs. It became the first US aircraft that can use the modernised B61-12 thermonuclear bombs. The fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighters will soon reach a milestone as well.

Apart from the F-35A, older aircraft are also undergoing certification. We are talking about the fourth-generation fighters F-15E Strike Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon. In the future, the B61-12 will be carried by the next-generation B-21 Raider nuclear bomber, which recently made its maiden flight.

The B61-12s are a replacement for the B61-3/4 bombs. The new version has a yield of 0.3 to 50 kilotons. The tail plumage makes the thermonuclear bomb steerable and improves accuracy. The US also intends to develop a B61-13 variant to replace the B61-7.

Source: Energy.gov