These characteristics theoretically enable a single bomber to carry what could require up to an entire squadron of fighter-type aircraft. Further, their range allows the flexibility and security of deep-rear basing or of flanking enemy defenses. When we consider forward-based bombers, range equates to long loiter time, which could translate to immediate strikes on lucrative targets by bombers orbiting just outside lethal areas. Incorporating these bombers in theater operation will require peacetime practice between tactical aircraft, bomber and command and control entities. Planners then can select optimum target areas to block, detour and set up the advancing forces for destruction.
Natural barriers afford the most efficient obstacles.
Combined with man-made barriers, these channel the enemy where and when you want him. Knowing the prime avenues of approach, bombers can strike prior to the enemy force advancing on the crossing rather than having to overfly a heavily defended site. The enemy also can be detoured to a place of our choosing by not destroying or mining selected bridges and fords. He would then be forced either to move to the area we elect or to delay his advance to reconstruct destroyed crossing sites. In either case, his momentum and timing would be adversely affected.