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B-2 Bomber: Cost and Operational Issues

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Report Type Reports and Testimonies
Report Date Aug. 14, 1997
Report No. NSIAD-97-181
Subject
Summary:

The tab for the B-2 stealth bomber program appears to have stabilized, with the estimated cost for 21 of the planes dropping from $44.9 billion in 1995 to $44.7 billion this year. Costs could increase, however, if the flight test program is extended, unexpected performance problems occur, or difficulties arise in maintaining the aircraft's radar-evading skin surfaces. The Air Force believes that it may need to shelter the B-2 in forward operating locations to preserve the features that make the aircraft difficult to detect. As a result, additional costs may be incurred if the Air Force has to build permanent or temporary shelters or if additional equipment must be purchased to meet maintenance requirements.

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