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Air Force releases RFP for new bomber

The U.S. Air Force has issues a Request for Proposals for development of a new long-range bomber.

By Richard Tomkins
A B2 Spirit Stealth Bomber is pictured at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam on April 25, 2005. Introduced in 1997 the B2 is currently the most modern long range bomber in the U.S. fleet. (UPI Photo/Bennie J. Davis III/U.S. Air Force)
1 of 3 | A B2 Spirit Stealth Bomber is pictured at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam on April 25, 2005. Introduced in 1997 the B2 is currently the most modern long range bomber in the U.S. fleet. (UPI Photo/Bennie J. Davis III/U.S. Air Force) | License Photo

WASHINGTON, July 14 (UPI) -- A Request for Proposal has been issued to Industry by the U.S. Air Force for its Long Range Strike Bomber, or LRS-B.

The request sets out a future contract's requirements and precedes competitive selection based on contractor proposals.

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"The LRS-B will be an adaptable and highly-capable system based upon mature technology," said Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James. "We have established an achievable and stable set of requirements that should make this capability a hallmark for the future.

"We've set a realistic target cost for the system and have a procurement strategy which allows us to affordably field a new bomber fleet. The program's strategy will ensure we get the best possible deal for the taxpayer."

The new bomber the Air Force is seeking will be air-refuelable and capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional stand-off and direct-attack weapons. The Air Force considers it a top modernization priority.

"The long range strike bomber will be essential to our ability to win a full-spectrum conflict in the future," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh. "It is a must-have capability."

A contract for development of the bomber is expected to be issued in the spring of next year.

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The Air Force plans to purchase 80-100 of the new bombers, which would become operational in the 2020s.

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