Spirit Hunter

B2 Spirit is a state-of-art bomber with low observability in multiple of spectrums.

Carrying 80 stand-off bombs, it's a platform to target vital infrastructure.

Iran ADs are inadequet against B2.

Maybe, not anymore.

1/n

(abbreviations at the end of thread)

B2 relies on very low RCS/heat signature. Low frequency radars can detect vicinity it flies but can't provide a target solution for land AD KC.

High altitude supersonic interceptors like upgraded MIG-31 can be deployed to defend against B2 in combination with EW systems.
2/n

Iran recently equipped its Karrar drones with EO thermal imaging sensor and showed how it intercepts another Karrar drone in a video.

https://twitter.com/maysam21901/status/1294283083802390528?s=19

.3/n

Iran produces long range EO visible/thermal imaging cameras.

Efficiency of these sensors would be enhanced in higher altitudes that gives better thermal contrast, low particulate count, less noise and larger covered area.

4/n

Footage from test of Karrar-I shows ability to detect another Karrar at 30km and lock on target at 3km away. 5/n

This prototype might not be capable of intercepting B2 due to its subsonic & low altitude characteristics.

But successful kill can be carried out using a loitering drone with look down IRST + supersonic interception.
6/n

-A gliding drone equipped with liquid rocket engine for short boost lifts & final supersonic dive/dash toward target.
-Multiple thermal EO cells
-Prompt delivery to elevations well above target vicinity, ~25-30km altitude, via a solid rocket booster.

7/n

Such drone will reduce B2 mission success by forcing deployment of much expensive, longer range standoff munitions in less quantities; and likely loss of bomber worth $2B to a drone that would cost 20,000 times less. 8/n

Abbreviations:

EW: Early Warning
RCS: Radar Cross-Section
AD: Air Defence
KC: kill Chain
EO: Electro-Optical
IRST: InfraRed Search & Track
Karrar-I: Karrar interceptor version

9/9