Posted on 09/16/2009 12:20:49 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland (Reuters) – Defense Secretary Robert Gates threw his support on Wednesday behind an on-again, off-again plan to develop a new long-range U.S. bomber, citing the military modernization of China.
"I am committed to seeing the United States has an airborne long-range strike capability," Gates said at an annual conference of the U.S. Air Force Association, an advocacy group.
He said the United States should be less concerned with a toe-to-toe challenge from "countries like China" and "more concerned with their ability to disrupt our freedom of movement and narrow our strategic options."
Gates referred to investments that "could threaten America's primary way to project power and help allies in the Pacific - in particular our forward air bases and carrier strike groups." He cited the threat from cyber- and anti-satellite warfare, anti-air and anti-ship weaponry as well as ballistic missiles.
"This would degrade the effectiveness of short-range fighters and put more of a premium on being able to strike from over the horizon - whatever form that capability might take," Gates said.
As recently as April, Gates pulled the plug on a potential $15 billion effort to build a new bomber to follow the radar-evading B-2, designed by Northrop Grumman Corp in the 1980s.
"We will not pursue a development program for a follow-on Air Force bomber until we have a better understanding of the need, the requirement, and the technology," Gates said on April 6 while outlining his priorities for the fiscal 2010 defense budget.
He said at the time the issue would be examined as part of the Quadrennial Defense Review, the Pentagon's blueprint for the next four years.
In endorsing a follow-on bomber on Wednesday, "a prospective B-3, if you will," Gates noted the congressionally mandated review was still under way.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Should be interesting..
What would you want to see in a B-3 ?
So, we kill the F-22 Raptor, because it’s sooooooo eeeeeeeeeeeeeevil, but we can absolutely build a new bomber???
Shouldn’t we have both?
I give Gates credit for understanding that THIS PIECE of the pie is needed.
“I thought they would call it the Obomber.”
Good one. Zero has been taken...
I doubt Obama will fund any military expansions and he will leave us in the same situation we were at the end of Jimmy Carter’s presidency.
and
Gen. Moseley: New long-range bomber on horizon for 2018
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123024081
Posted 7/26/2006 Updated 3/31/2008 Email story Print story
by Tech. Sgt. Russell Wicke
Air Combat Command Public Affairs
7/26/2006 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) — A new bomber scheduled for operation as early as 2018 will enhance America’s long-range strike capabilities, according to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley in a recent Armed Services Committee speech.
In a step to develop future long-range strike capabilities, Air Combat Command is conducting a study that is looking at aircraft platforms and weapon improvements. Air Force leaders will use the study to decide the best pathway for providing long-range strike capabilities for the future Air Force. This process normally takes about two years, but the 2018 target requires accelerated efforts.
The new bomber is necessary to recapitalize the Air Force’s fleet of B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer “legacy bombers,” and to counter advanced anti-access systems of America’s enemies, said Lt. Col. Kevin Shorb, chief of Air Combat Command’s Next Generation Long Range Strike Division. Modern enemy anti-access systems, such as surface-to-air missiles and enemy aircraft, are emerging and becoming common, he added.
In the speech, General Moseley said the current bomber fleet is adequate to meet America’s needs today, despite its age — but that’s likely to change in the future without a new platform.
You just don’t understand...
The contracts for the F-22 were issued under the OLD corruption, these will be issued under the NEW, and IMPROVED, Democrat Corruption!
Well,
I would want to see long range global circumventing Mach 3 capabilities, stealth characteristics, self defense long range shoot down capabilities, advanced game changing ECM and targeting,B52-like payload and all for 300 million a copy!
...but no F-22 fighters to defend them!
What a moron.
Forget bombers. Let’s go for hypersonic cruise missiles and precision, non-nuclear ICBMs.
How about simply invisible...
“Fantasy chase”?
Every weapons system that exist started as a “fantasy chase”.
You’re totally correct that killing the F-22 was a big mistake. It needs to be revived (I won’t hold my breath during this administration though) as well as moving forward with a new long range bomber.
Or better yet, just saturate with thousands of drones who cares if they can see them.
It’s been talked about for a long time
back in the 90s for sure
Independent Bomber Force Review
GlobalSecurity.org
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/report/1997/970000-ibr.htm
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