What was the first bomber with intercontinental range?

The Convair B-36 Peacemaker is recognized as the first bomber with intercontinental range, having been developed in the late 1940s and entering service in 1949. It was designed to carry out long-range bombing missions and could travel great distances without needing to refuel, making it a pivotal part of the U.S. Air Force's strategic capabilities during the Cold War era.

The significance of the B-36's design includes its ability to deliver nuclear payloads to targets over vast distances, which became increasingly important as global tensions escalated. Its distinctive six-engine configuration and advanced aerodynamics for the time allowed for extended flight range and payload capacity. The B-36 served until the mid-1950s, after which it was gradually replaced by more modern aircraft that built upon its intercontinental capabilities.

In contrast, the other aircraft listed—such as the B-1 Lancer, B-52 Stratofortress, and F-22 Raptor—are also significant in their own right, but they came later and were designed with specific roles in mind, making the B-36 the pioneer of intercontinental bombers.