Battlefield Disruptors

摘要

Enhanced B-1B LANCER, B-2 SPIRIT and B-52H STRATOFORTRESS bombers will remain in the USAF's air order of battle through this decade. The B-1Bs and B-2Bs will be gradually retired as Northrop Grumman-built B-21 RAIDERs start to enter service later in the decade. USAF plans then call for a strategic bomber force of B-21s and B-52Hs until the latter approach the end of their service life, around 2050. The two bomber variants will continue to provide the Pentagon with the necessary mix of aircraft capable of operating in both conventional and nuclear roles.The Pentagon is developing a new long-range bomber aircraft, the B-21 RAIDER. While the service indicated plans in the current fiscal year 2020 budget to acquire at least 100 of them, the latest five-year budget and programme plan submitted to Congress in February suggested the Air Force is continuing, or even accelerating, an aggressive production ramp-up for the new bomber.