Delete comment from: Elements Of Power
No plausible niche? Um... Being able to launch strikes from CONUS into defended areas without a highway full of tankers or having to worry about forward basing. The worry of China hitting Kadena or pushing the carriers too far out because of anti-ship missile. You launch strikes from the US to knock those systems out for the shorter range planes to move in.
The LRS-B is a replacement for the B-2's that are wearing out. Think of it as B-1/B-2 hybrid. A little less stealthy then a B-2 but more rugged with a bigger payload. What will be even more fun is what is coming down the road in terms of a high altitude/high speed plane.
And in terms of cost... The stated goal of $500 million each isn't outrageous because the airlines are paying that kind of price for new passenger planes each.
May 29, 2015, 12:02:48 AM
Posted to I Believe the First Hit Piece Against the LRS-B Has Been Written