[reluctantwarrior]

Why does it take such a large plane to drop a small bomb? 15 million? Is it gold plated?

[DefCon]

I wonder the same thing.
What does this gain us over, say, a cruise missle?
You had to have the gps coordinates in advance, but
I guess you get more bang on target than a cruise missle
On the other hand, flying at 400 mph and 35,000 feet,
is not 'terribly' risky for a manned flight.

[Eala]

Why does it take such a large plane to drop a small bomb?

Is that bomb the limits of its capacity? Or were they testing other capabilities -- such as being able to deliver a bomb to a specified target, which is somewhat irrelevant to the mass of the bomb (except in its descent phase)?

[CurlyDave]

15 million? Is it gold plated?

With fighter-bombers in the $100-200 million range this thing sounds very inexpensive to me.

Advantage over a cruise missile is that it is re-useable. Even if only 75-80% make it back that is a huge savings.

[Kozak]

Why does it take such a large plane to drop a small bomb? 15 million? Is it gold plated?

It's a TEST. The actual bombload of the thing is 3,000 lbs. Pretty good considering the aircrafts weight is only 8,000 lbs. The price is cheap when compared to ny manned bomber.

[pointsal]

Will it fly up a Spanish PM's butt or tickle old fatso Chirac....just before it's cargo hits home?

[FreedomCalls]

15 million? Is it gold plated?

No, but it has tail fins and white-wall tires!