No idea, but the radar on the F-22 (AN/APG-77 I believe) has a range of 100+ miles, the bomber is of no threat to shoot down the F-22 if the F-22 didn't want to get within machine gun range.

ETA: I spent 22 years in air defense with the Marine Corps, I am actually quite surprised we allowed the Ruskies to get this close to Alaska. Makes me wonder what the current state or the Arctic radar ring is. No way that big, cumbersome bomber slipped through undetected.

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The secret of a long life is you try not to shorten it.
-Nobody

Not really the point. And there are reasons all* post-Vietnam fighter designs contain a gun despite the improvements in radar performance.

*There may be an exception or two, but I can't think of any right of the top of my head at the moment.

ETA: I'm not sure what you could do to "stop" them short of an act of war. Just get out there and eyeball one another to say, "I see you." Wave goodbye and have a nice day.

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War is god

Something wrong with the Bear and a Raptor in the same photo... The Russians could at least dust off a Backfire for this mission.

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2017 Cervelo P2
2017 Cervelo S2
itraininla.com
#itraininla

Those big bombers are sitting ducks for any fighter plane. If they intended to do anything, they would have a fighter escort of their own.

It's more aerodynamic.

Take this shit to the Tri forum!

The B-52 still flies, and its maiden flight was six, seven months before the TU-95's. Plus, the TU-95's top speed is fewer than 75 knots slower than the B-52's (the respective cruise speeds are more different, I think). I have no idea if the TU-95's avionics/systems have been upgraded at a similar pace as the B-52's.

But you're right. The juxtaposition of the two designs makes for an odd photo.

ETA: Here's a photo of an odd mashup:



Even odder still is that this was at Barksdale AFB in 1991. I guess there was an exchange in which two B-52s with KC-10 support visited a Russian airfield, and two TU-95s with An-124 support visited Barksdale. The respective military members were able to tour the aircraft and even sit in the cockpits. So sayeth a retired B-52 pilot who was there.

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War is god

Likely because there's no one back there in the rear gunner position--because in these latest cases it's theater and not a real threat. This time? In military parlance this is doctrinally called a demonstration--no intention whatsoever to make contact with the enemy--just demonstrate intent.

/r

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Steve

Bear sees Phantom ... sproinggggg!!

Bear sees F-22 ... meh, half-mast.

They're back - with Su-35 escort this time: https://www.adn.com/...th-a-fighter-escort/