Long-time B-2 bomber advocate that he is, Dicks told the forum audience that a “huge disparity” has emerged between investment in bombers as opposed to fighter aircraft. He said, “I couldn’t find anyone in the Pentagon who would support the idea of more B-2s.” One possible reason for this, Dicks opined, is that since the stand-down of the Air Force’s Strategic Air Command, a leading advocate for the importance of a well-maintained bomber fleet was lost.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.