Air Force to develop new bomber

[unhappycamper]

Air Force to develop new bomber
By John T. Bennett - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Dec 11, 2009 18:08:16 EST

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday the 2011 Pentagon spending request is likely to include funding for development of a new Air Force bomber, Reuters reported.

The long-talked-about program has been in limbo since Gates froze it in April amid several dozen major weapons program cuts. Gates wanted the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review to look at the need for a new long-range bomber fleet.

“We are probably going to proceed with a long-range strike initiative coming out of the Quadrennial Defense Review and various other reviews going on,” Gates told troops in Kirkuk, Iraq. “We’re looking at a family of capabilities, both manned and unmanned.”

He said funding likely would start at $1 billion, and then ramp up in subsequent years.


Article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/12/defense_airforce_bomber_121109/



unhappycamper comment: This is going to be interesting to watch. The last bomber delivered to the Air Force cost $2.1 billion dollars, delivered.

[tech9413]

1. Unfreakinreal

Exactly why do we need this? Is that the best weapon system to fend off a nutjob with a Kalashnikov? I'd bet the final cost at delivery will be over 100% above estimates.
BTW: Thanks for posting everything military related. I keep an eye out for you and Omaha Steve. You both are reliable posters with good info.