Smarter Bomber
Posted 12.04.2002 at 6:58 pm
0 Comments
Illustration by John MacNeill
Illustration by John MacNeill
As we reported in july, the Air Force has been pondering a bomber version of the new F-22 Raptor fighter jet: a delta-wing variant called the FB-22. But budget cutbacks have grounded that plan. Top brass announced that the plane's name will be the F/A-22 Raptor-F/A, as in Fighter/Attack-but no new capabilities are being added. A decision by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to dramatically cut total plane orders, possibly to 200 from 400, is expected by year's end. Meanwhile, with his Raptor flock dwindling, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper is trying desperately to emphasize that "the Raptor will feed on prey both from the sky and from the (ground)."
0 Comments
To comment, please Login.
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 2013: American Energy Independence
Five amazing, clean technologies that will set us free, in this month's energy-focused issue. Also: how to build a better bomb detector, the robotic toys that are raising your children, a human catapult, the world's smallest arcade, and much more.
Popular on Popsci
Most Commented
Technology
- This Newer, Stronger 3-D Printed Gun Costs Just $25
- Thieves Stole $45 Million From ATMs Because The U.S. Uses Absurd 40-Year-Old Technology
- Autonomous X-47B Jet Fighter Makes Historic First Launch From An Aircraft Carrier
- Russia Is Building Robots To 'Neutralize' Terrorists
- How To Turn An AK-47 Into A Soup Ladle
- America's Road To Energy Independence, Part 1
- Mapping The Simpsons' Slow Descent Into Suckitude
- Iran Unveils Absurd New Stealth Drone
- College Students Make First-Ever Successful Flight And Landing Of A Concrete Airplane
- High School Student Wins Hackathon With A Tool That Blocks TV Spoilers
Most Emailed
Technology
- The World's Most Expensive Weapon Just Got A Little Cheaper
- Will Google (And The US Government) Permit Google Glass To Recognize Faces On Sight?
- Big Pic: Hubble Space Telescope Captures The Ring Nebula In Astonishing Detail
- Robotic Kite Power Could Turn The Sky Into A Wind Farm
- These 11 Robot Bartenders Will Get You Drunk
- 11 Robot Bartenders That Will Get You Drunk
- Brazilian Government Invests In Robocops To Prep For World Cup, Olympics
- The BBC's New Radio Can Alter Broadcasts Based On Who's Listening
- Social Media Replaces Police Missing Persons Searches In France
- New Water-Repellant Fabric Is Like A Second Skin
Most Viewed
Technology
- The World's Most Expensive Weapon Just Got A Little Cheaper
- Will Google (And The US Government) Permit Google Glass To Recognize Faces On Sight?
- Big Pic: Hubble Space Telescope Captures The Ring Nebula In Astonishing Detail
- Robotic Kite Power Could Turn The Sky Into A Wind Farm
- These 11 Robot Bartenders Will Get You Drunk
- 11 Robot Bartenders That Will Get You Drunk
- Brazilian Government Invests In Robocops To Prep For World Cup, Olympics
- The BBC's New Radio Can Alter Broadcasts Based On Who's Listening
- Social Media Replaces Police Missing Persons Searches In France
- New Water-Repellant Fabric Is Like A Second Skin
Online Content Director: Suzanne LaBarre | Email
Senior Editor: Paul Adams | Email
Associate Editor: Dan Nosowitz | Email
Assistant Editor: Colin Lecher | Email
Assistant Editor: Rose Pastore | Email
Contributing Writers:
Kelsey D. Atherton | Email
Francie Diep | Email
Shaunacy Ferro | Email
Today on PopSci.com
Copyright © 2012 Popular Science
A Bonnier Corporation Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
