The B-2 should be the most effective means of
maintaining the contributions of the United States bomber
force for the long term.

B-2's Contribution To U.S. National Security: The B-2 is an
intercontinental bomber that employs stealth technology. Its
primary mission will be to deter a nuclear attack by
providing the bomber leg of our strategic Triad with the
capability to penetrate Soviet air defenses.

The Threat: Since 1965, the Soviets have invested over $400
billion to create a formidable integrated air defense system.
By the mid-1990s, the Soviet homeland defense force will
consist primarily of look-down shoot-down systems and new
surface-to-air missile systems continue to replace older
ones. This threat extends beyond the Soviet Union to other
areas such as the Persian Gulf and the Pacific, where United
States forces might be called upon to operate.

Stealth Technologies Reduce The B-2's Signature: "Stealth"
is a popular name for a group of technologies more precisely
termed "low observables". Stealth not only protects an
aircraft (defense) , but greatly enhances the aircraft's
likelihood of prosecuting a successful strike (offense).

Stealth Technology Is Proven In Southwest Asia: The success
of the F-117A stealth fighter in the Persian Gulf war
demonstrates the importance of continuing the B-2 stealth
bomber program, a system almost canceled by Congress last
year.

B-52 Nor B-1 Are Viable Long Term Alternatives: The B-52 is
already so constrained by advances in air defense technology
that it is losing its viability as a penetrating bomber.
Also, the B-1 will be increasingly constrained by the
evolving air defense threat environment.

Cost: Because the B-2 has drawn such critical attention and
comment, cost has emerged as one of the most important issues
in determining whether or not the B-2 Program goes forward.

Counting Rule In Strategic Arms Reduction Talks: In the
ongoing Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START), the United
States and the Soviet Union have agreed to count bombers as
the equivalent of one nuclear warhead.

Conclusion: The most effective method of maintaining the
viability of the bomber force is to procure the B-2.

Previous:B-2 Next:Tu-95