20+ years ago, the U.S. asked aircraft makers to produce the ultimate stealth bomber that could penetrate soviet-influenced territories. Northrop Grummon answered the call, with the B2 stealth bomber, up to that point, the most expensive aircraft in existence, at around $156 billion per plane. Yet, after all the hype surrounding the plane, it sat in the hanger, thanks to the collapse of the soviet union. It wasnt needed until nearly 8 years later, in bosnia, then again 5 years later, in iraq. The raptor's maiden flight as a prototype was back in 1990, and as a completed project, in 1997. Apparantly it also sat in the hanger for 8 years, until its introduction in 2005. So my question is: why would the U.S. suddenly put a highly advanced aircraft into use, when we can apparantly easily overthrow iraq, a poorly-stiched-quilt of a country (which we are STILL struggling to control after 4 years)? What enemy is at our doorstep? Who is the government hiding? Are we on the brink of world war?
2007-08-08
18:39:53
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11 answers
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asked by
Matt
2
in
Military