It’s needed, we have only 20 nuclear armed bombers now, the B2. The B1 is conventional only, and a certain number of B52s have cruise missiles. *IF* they can build the 100, then it’ll replace them as a nuclear delivery system.
The big problem is the need for tests for the old nuclear bombs. These will carry B61’s and B83’s, both good, but there should be a new testing period for some new warheads.
I doubt their numbers will exceed the b2’s numbers.
I am no expert, but isn’t the idea of gravity nuclear bombs rather outdated? Stand off distance, even for stealth aircraft, seems more logical.
I would think a stealth cruise missile, or hypersonic missile launched a couple hundred miles away would be much more survivable.
The B1 is not conventional only, at least not by design or capability.
“These will carry B61’s and B83’s, both good, but there should be a new testing period for some new warheads.”
The way South Africa tested their nukes was to take them out in the Atlantic half way between Africa and South America. They’d wait for the spy satellites to pass and set them off. Several times the satellites detected the blast but by the time they got to the suspect area there was nothing to be seen. Incidentally, I never heard of any Israeli tests. But you can be assured they did test them. You really only get into trouble when you announce the tests like the US and the French did. Then you have all sorts of hippy protesters running around waving their arms. Uhmmm, extra crispy Greenpeace!
Thank you! I've read nothing but negatives on FR since the announcement. Personally, I'm thrilled NG was awarded this contract.