Bombers Gravity Bombs Bombs dropped from aircraft were employed for the first and only combat use of nuclear weapons in Japan at the end of World War II. read on View as Slide Show View Images Cruise Missiles Air Launched Cruise Missiles (ALCMs) and Advanced Cruise Missiles (ACMs) are launched from B-52 bombers and fly at tree-top level to attack targets up to 1,500 miles away. read on View as Slide Show View Images B-2 The B-2 Spirit "Stealth" bomber uses a variety of classified technologies to reduce its visual, radar, infrared and electromagnetic signatures. read on View as Slide Show View Images B-1B The swing-wing B-1B Lancer bomber was first operational in 1986 and was removed from its nuclear mission in 1997. read on View as Slide Show View Images B-52 The B-52 Stratofortress has been the long-range heavy bomber workhorse of the US strategic forces since 1955. read on View as Slide Show View Images