Comment Re:Republicans, Treaties, and Silver Bullets (Score 1) 193
I'd just like to set you straight on the B-2.
"Capable of hitting a small number of targets per trip (with high turnaround times, to boot)."
I'm not quite sure that you know what you are talking about.
The normal interdiction weapons load for the B-2A is 12 JDAM (Joint-Direct Attack Munition). The JDAM is a GPS/INS guided 2000-lb bomb, amazingly accurate, as proven in combat over Kosovo. The B-2A can, consequently, hit 12 DIFFERENT targets in one sortie.
The BEST part is, we have our aircraft safe in the continental US, yet we can use them to bomb anywhere in the world, returning to their base in Missouri.
Another note:
The US Air Force has stated that they plan on having 90% of their aerial fleet UNMANNED by 2020. Generally, we are looking to get the pilot out of the cockpit, and in to a non-descript building on base, and out of harm's way. The USAF spends roughly over 1 million dollars on each individual pilot's training, and it doesn't pay to lose them in combat or accidents. Likewise, the next generation of UCAV allows the USAF to save tax payers money on life-support (everything from pressurization systems on aircraft, to packing parachutes).
"Capable of hitting a small number of targets per trip (with high turnaround times, to boot)."
I'm not quite sure that you know what you are talking about.
The normal interdiction weapons load for the B-2A is 12 JDAM (Joint-Direct Attack Munition). The JDAM is a GPS/INS guided 2000-lb bomb, amazingly accurate, as proven in combat over Kosovo. The B-2A can, consequently, hit 12 DIFFERENT targets in one sortie.
The BEST part is, we have our aircraft safe in the continental US, yet we can use them to bomb anywhere in the world, returning to their base in Missouri.
Another note:
The US Air Force has stated that they plan on having 90% of their aerial fleet UNMANNED by 2020. Generally, we are looking to get the pilot out of the cockpit, and in to a non-descript building on base, and out of harm's way. The USAF spends roughly over 1 million dollars on each individual pilot's training, and it doesn't pay to lose them in combat or accidents. Likewise, the next generation of UCAV allows the USAF to save tax payers money on life-support (everything from pressurization systems on aircraft, to packing parachutes).
