FLASH
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An aircraft spotter has captured what could be the first photos of this powerful next-generation nuclear missile, strapped to the wing of a B-52 long-range bomber. His stunning images appear to show a "secret" US nuclear missile destroying cities.
Military experts believe it could be the US Air Force's AGM-181 LRSO missile. Designed to replace the AGM-86B on the B-52 and B-21 bombers, the missile has a range of about 2,500 km and carries an adjustable thermonuclear warhead.
Military website The Aviationist notes that the bomber carried classic orange test markings and two unidentified weapons that bear a striking resemblance to public versions of the AGM-181A.
The missile is thought to have a nuclear yield adjustable between 5-150 kilotons, allowing for uses ranging from tactical effect to the destruction of cities. A yield of 150 kilotons is ten times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945.
The missile is set to replace the Cold War-era AGM-86B and will be carried by both the upcoming £585m B-21 Raider and upgraded B-52 bombers.
This B-52 was using the call sign 'Torch', which is commonly used by Edwards Air Force Base bombers. It continued to pass over Highway 395 where it had begun to gain altitude.
"When it reached me, it was about 4,000-5,000 feet above sea level (AGL), based on the scanner calls I was hearing and my experience on the ground. This altitude, of course, is not ideal for quality photography, but given the size of the aircraft, the relatively clear weather, and the use of some good equipment, I was able to get a good photo of this iconic airframe."
"Like most digital photographers, I kept zooming in on the LCD screen to see how the images were coming out. To my delight, there was some interesting ammunition visible on one of the wing pillars.
"As always, I am very aware of the publication of military photos when there may be something sensitive in the image. In this case, it was clear that, since this aircraft had flown low over several populated areas and then crossed a major highway, it had nothing to hide."
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