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From: bcstec!shuksan!major@uunet.UU.NET (Mike Schmitt)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Re: B-52 powers (was Re: OP. DESERT SHIELD
Message-ID: <1990Dec8.222145.27738@cbnews.att.com>
Date: 8 Dec 90 22:21:45 GMT
References: <1990Nov29.002106.18319@cbnews.att.com> <1990Dec6.021500.18233@cbnews.att.com>
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From: bcstec!shuksan!major@uunet.UU.NET (Mike Schmitt)

In article <1990Dec6.021500.18233@cbnews.att.com>, leem@jpl-devvax.JPL.NASA.GOV (Lee Mellinger) writes:

> While the Circular Error Probability numbers are still classified, I
> can attest to the fact that the probability of hitting targets from
> high altitude bombing runs in those orders of number are such that I
> would be the last to stand on the target even if they were dropping
> cast iron bombs.  
 
  When targetting for B-52 strikes - 'grid squares' are targetted - not
  coordinates.  The size of the target is dictated by the number of 
  aircraft in the strike cell.  The smallest cell - 3 B-52s - are given
  a target of 1Km by 3Km.  The largest strike I know of (Vietnam - Feb'67)
  consisted of 18 B-52s striking a target 6Km by 6Km. 

  The Minimum Safe Distance (MSD) for friendly troops is 3Km from the 
  target 'box'.  For patrols/recon operating in 'free fire zones' a 6Km
  by 6Km No Bomb Zone is established.  

  BTW:  The 'big' strike mentioned above was designed to 'burn off' the
  triple-canopy jungle in War Zone C - with all B52s carrying incindiary
  bombs.  Huge forest fires were caused - the heat so intense - it formed
  big black rain clouds - which doused the fires.........................
  (Only the 'top' canopy was burned).

  Back to the drawing board.



  mike schmitt