do big guns have a modern role?

[pyro-manic]

As long as you're within 20 miles of a handy coastline, sure. Beyond that you're a bit stuck. How about a string of iron bombs from a B-52?

[eatthis]

not exactly precision munitions are they lol
certainly effective but not suited at all to close in support

[Go4fun]

In the case of either heavy naval guns or B-52 strikes I think the "Shock and Awe" factor is the intention, not Danger Close support.
There is just something about a 1/2 mile square of ground (And anything on it!) being turned in a total wasteland that is bound to make a soldier wonder if he wants to keep risking bringing this down on their head.

[deathjester]

Compromise:  How about a B-52 CARRYING a heavy naval gun in a gun pod?

[rickshaw]

Compromise:  How about a B-52 CARRYING a heavy naval gun in a gun pod?

How about in the bomb-bay instead? 

[deathjester]

Yes,  but where would the 1200 W-54 warheads go then??

[rickshaw]

Yes,  but where would the 1200 W-54 warheads go then??

Ah, I'd assumed it was a problem of either/or not both.  Hanging it under a wing though would cause some recoil problems, I think! 

[Ed S]

I guess you could just drop the gun on their heads. A few tons of steel going 500+mph is going to make a heck of a mess.

Ed

[pyro-manic]

The first GBU-28 "bunker-buster" bombs were just that - surplus 8" howitzer barrels with stuck-on fins and laser seeker, and filled with explosives.