The bomber force sizing controversy: a hardy perennial--and a case for posing the right questions

Kevin N. Lewis

ResearchPublished 1985

This paper reviews the controversy over the size, nature, composition, and role of the U.S. strategic bomber force. In particular, it examines the course of debate since the 1970s, when it appeared that the long-range combat aircraft concept was dying, to the shift a few years later to the development of the "Stealth" and B-1 bombers. The author concludes that there may always be major problems with justifying bomber procurement, as is suggested by the evidence since 1957, when bomber force modernization began.

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  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Available
  • Year: 1985
  • Print Format: Paperback
  • Paperback Pages: 13
  • Paperback Price: $20.00
  • Document Number: P-7152

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RAND Style Manual
Lewis, Kevin N., The bomber force sizing controversy: a hardy perennial--and a case for posing the right questions, RAND Corporation, P-7152, 1985. As of October 11, 2024: https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P7152.html
Chicago Manual of Style
Lewis, Kevin N., The bomber force sizing controversy: a hardy perennial--and a case for posing the right questions. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1985. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P7152.html. Also available in print form.
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