Air Force FB-22 Bomber Concept (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised June 5, 2006 |
| Report Number |
RS21848 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Christopher Bolkcom, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
The Air Force has expressed interest in developing a bomber variant of the F/A-22 Raptor to "bridge the gap" between today's bombers and a follow-on bomber in 2037. Questions exist regarding the FB-22's feasibility, cost, and combat potential. This report will be updated as events warrant...In 2002 it was reported that Lockheed Martin Corp. had begun studying a radically modified version of the Raptor called the FB-22 . This variant would seek to significantly increase the F/A-22's air-to-ground capabilities, primarily through a redesign that would double the aircraft's range and significantly increase the aircraft's internal payload.1 Some estimate that the delta-winged FB-22 could carry up to 30 of the developmental 250-lb Small Diameter Bombs. These potential improvements would likely result in some performance tradeoffs, such as reduced acceleration, speed, and maneuverability.
