2037 bomber controversy
| 2037 Bomber | |
|---|---|
| Role | Heavy bomber |
| Introduction | 2037 (projected) |
| Status | Planned |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
The 2037 Bomber[1] is the unofficial name given to a heavy strategic bomber planned by the United States Air Force, intended to serve as a replacement for the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit. The aircraft is projected to enter service in 2037 as a stealth, supersonic, long-range bomber aircraft with possible capability for unmanned operation.
Development
With the ending of B-2 Spirit production in the year 2000, the U.S. Air Force was left with a gap in its bomber development. A new bomber would be needed in the 2037 time frame to replace retiring B-52s and B-1 Lancers according to the Air Force's Bomber Roadmap, released in 1999.[2][3] This was considered too long to wait, so the Air Force commenced the Next-Generation Bomber program (later the Long Range Strike Bomber).[4][5]
See also
References
- ^ http://www.futuretimeline.net/21stcentury/2037.htm#2037-bomber
- ^ Tirpak, John A. "The Bomber Roadmap". Air Force Magazine, June 1999. Retrieved December 30, 2015 (PDF version)
- ^ Grant, Rebecca. "Return of the Bomber, The Future of Long-Range Strike", p. 11, 17, 29. Air Force Association, February 2007.
- ^ Hebert, Adam J. "Long-Range Strike in a Hurry", Air Force Magazine, November 2004, Retrieved December 30, 2015, (PDF version)
- ^ Murch, Anthony, "RL34406, The Next Generation Bomber: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress", p. 17–20, Congressional Research Service, 7 March 2008, Archived at: Archived June 11, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
External links
- "The 2018 Bomber and Its Friends", Air Force Magazine, October 2006
- "Great Expectations", Air Force Magazine, August 2007