Delete comment from: Elements Of Power
"There are enough air bases in Japan available for use in a conflict with the PRC that involves Japan. "
So you are assuming that air bases in Japan are inviolable? Wow...
"Midair refuelling kits for transport aircraft are relatively cheap and simple, even a kit for USAF-style refuelling is possible if the rear ramp is replaced."
And the survivability of such transport aircraft in a high threat environment would be very low.
"A B-1/B-2 mix would not be capable of operations against PRC or Russia without support by fighters, so any range advantage over fighters would have negligible utility."
Isn't that a very good argument for LRS-B? You are also forgetting about LRSO...
"The cheerleader-for-hire Loren Thompson"
Is that you, Bill Sweetman? :)
Thompson's point was that very large, multi engine aircraft designed for multi-decadal lifetimes
have a certain price point (O&S and fixed cost is typically proportional to operating
empty weight). Even if Thompson is a cheerleader that doesn't invalidate his observation.
"The United States have become accustomed to an excessive level of military power ambition."
Gasp! You mean honoring our treaty obligations? Extended deterrence is a major component of that.
Surely substituting LRS-B for nuclear tipped tomahawks in the Asia Pacific region and nuclear artillery
in Europe is a good thing.
May 29, 2015, 5:22:09 AM
Posted to I Believe the First Hit Piece Against the LRS-B Has Been Written