7
$\begingroup$

What are these crevices below the wing of B-52 bomber?

images1

enter image description here

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
3
$\begingroup$

These are electronic countermeasures dispensers, more specifically chaff dispensers. You can see them in this walk-around, where an Electronic Warfare Officer shows them (timestamp 01:10:35).

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
$\begingroup$

That is a B-52H. The ailerons, which would have hinged at that location of the wing, were removed from later models of the B-52, including the -G and -H models.Those rectangular holes are outlets for radar-decoying chaff dispensers, and this is true for both the B-52G and -H models. Chaff consists of small shreds of metal similar to but thinner than aluminum foil. The idea being that if the bomber was targeted by a radar-guided missile, the aircraft would turn hard in one direction while ejecting chaff from the opposite wing, leaving a nice big radar target behind for the missile to hit. It's pretty effective, but less so on modern smart weapons.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.