US Air Force To Step Up New Bomber Search In Next Budget

Posted on: Jun. 29th, 2006 || Source: money.aol.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- The U.S. Air Force's search for a new bomber will step up in coming months, in hopes of meeting the 2018 goal set by a defense strategy report.

Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne told Dow Jones Newswires that the Pentagon needs to "get on with the getting on" of a new bomber program. Unless the service starts soon, it won't get its new plane by even 2020, he said in a recent interview.

So far, the project is in the conceptual stage. But Wynne predicted imminent action as the 2008 budget cycle ramps up this summer.

"By about this budget cycle we should have a determination. You're going to see the old five-year laydown," Wynne said, referring to the Pentagon's practice of offering a five-year plan with each new budget request.

Stealth, range and firepower all will be important elements of the new project. The Air Force also wants a bomber with persistence - that is, the ability to stay airborne and on call for very long periods.

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