Will the U.S. ever build another bomber? As the years pass, hopes fade for additional B-2 bomber production. Yet the requirement still exists for a robust long-range strike capability, and the U.S. Air Force can only coast for so long on the legacy fleet.

Broadly speaking, a new platform could fall into one of four categories. Two are relatively far-looking and would require considerable investment. As technology matures, the Air Force could consider a hypersonic platform, possibly with an exoatmospheric capability. Alternatively, the service might look at technology from the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's Quiet Supersonic Platform program. This could combine a long-range supersonic capability with stealth.The other two categories would be relatively low risk and would use derivative technology. One would leverage off-the-shelf technology and perhaps a version of the existing B-2 platform. This "B-3" option would offer low unit costs, but no major performance improvement. The other would be a strategic version of Lockheed Martin's F/A-22 fighter. Known as the FB-22, this new version would have larger wings, upgraded engines and other improvements.

Yet the case for any new bomber options has been undercut by events and technology. First, it is now clear that even in the most geographically difficult circumstances, wars can be fought using multirole strike fighters, based either on Navy carriers or in nearby countries. Aided by refueling tankers, these fighters offer lower unit costs and greater flexibility than traditional strategic platforms.

Also, the Air Force is recognizing that progress with precision-guided munitions might make additional long-range strike platforms less necessary. In the near term, integration of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile is acting as a force multiplier. Additional new programs could extend the range and capabilities of such autonomous strike weapons.

THE LEGACY FLEET