Long Range Strike: An Imperative for Recapitalization and Modernization

By George A. Holland

This report addresses the current Air Force impetus to develop a Long-Range Strike aircraft by 2018 as directed in the most recent Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) released in February 2006.1 The major thrusts of this paper are to first describe the current state of USAF long-range strike and show how this aged fleet of bombers requires modernization. Secondly, a look at previous and current USAF strike acquisition programs provides a background for the acquisition strategy of the future long-range strike aircraft. Finally, this paper develops a framework for proceeding with the long-range strike acquisition, looking at a capabilities mix and an acquisition strategy.The current decisions of the Department of Defense and the Air Force to develop the long-range strike aircraft by 2018 provides the framework to further the U.S. national security. Additionally, developing the long-range strike aircraft given the proposed time-frame allows the requirements and acquisition communities in concert with industry to make wise decisions and field an awesome capability without cost over runs and schedule delays provided a well thought out strategy is adopted and followed. The long-range strike aircraft will be a huge success given the proper opportunities.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1249587980
• ISBN13: 9781249587989
• Release Date: October 2012
• Publisher: Biblioscholar
• Length: 30 Pages
• Weight: 0.13 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 6.1" x 9.2"