Expert: Next bomber could cost $40 billion

[unhappycamper]

Expert: Next bomber could cost $40 billion
By Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Feb 3, 2009 18:24:57 EST

In nine years, the Air Force is supposed to be flying the next generation of long-range bombers.

Bomber development is shrouded in secrecy, and it’s hard to say what direction the Air Force is taking the program, Barry Watts, a former Air Force pilot and analyst with the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, told reporters Tuesday. But he predicted it would be smaller than current bombers and carry a smaller payload — though not a smaller price tag.

Watt believes commanders need the bomber because it does not need to be based within the enemy’s strike range and can be a persistent presence over a battlefield.

A few years ago, one candidate for the new bomber was an upgraded version of the stealth B-2 Spirit bomber. Today, that option is no longer viable because of improvements made to stealth technology and avionics since the B-2 was developed two decades ago, Watts said.

A bomber version of the F-22 Raptor fighter would lack the unrefueled range and persistence of a large bomber, Watts added.


Rest of article at: http://airforcetimes.com/news/2009/02/airforce_longrange_bomber_020309w/%2e



uhc comment: I call bullshit on $40 billion - the 21 B-2s Ronnie bought cost us $44.1 billion. You must be smoking some good stuff if you think the price tag is going down.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

1. Spreading democracy 40 billion worth at a time.... wtf. n/t

[Sherman A1]

2. With standoff weapons systems available,

realistically, they could use an upgraded 747 or C17 to haul the stuff to an area within range and then let'em fly. There is no need for a penetration type bomber beyond what we already have. You don't need a B2 style bomber to get near the airspace of an opponent. The other question of course is just who are we going to be using these charming bombers upon?

That from a member of the bring back the B-36 (just because they are cool looking) Society. :applause:

[unhappycamper]

3. Did you know the Air Force museum near Omaha has a B-36? n/t

[Sherman A1]

4. Haven't seen the one there

I have visited the Museum in Dayton a couple of times (not since the last remodel) and got to see the collection including the 36.


:thumbsup:

[Angleae]

5. $40 billion each maybe?