The Strategic Bomber in the Nuclear Age

Date of Graduation

Spring 1998

Degree

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Department

Defense and Strategic Studies

Committee Chair

William Van Cleave

Abstract

The strategic bomber is the only vehicle to have delivered a nuclear warhead in a time of war. With this milestone, the bomber became inexorably linked with nuclear deterrence. Since then the strategic bomber has struggled to find its purpose outside the mission of strategic nuclear delivery. The influences of technical advancement, arms control and strategy have played an important part in the development of the strategic bomber in both the United States and Russia. This thesis examines these influences, including the advent of the cruise missile, on strategic air power. With the end of the Cold War the utility of strategic air power is again being reexamined and adapted to the changes that are occurring.

Subject Categories

Defense and Security Studies

Copyright

© Kenyon Jay Gerbrandt

Citation-only

Dissertation/Thesis

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