Cost Effectiveness Comparison: B-2 versus the Cruise Missile

Abstract

The purpose of this essay is twofold: first, provide a single source, unclassified document on the issues surrounding the Stealth Bomber; second, provide an unbiased comparison of the cost effectiveness of the Stealth Bomber and the Cruise missile. This paper deals with the issues and controversy that surrounds the procurement of the Stealth Bomber. These issues include the possible use of cruise missiles and a new cruise missile carrier aircraft as an alternative to the Stealth Bomber. Most of the controversy over the Stealth Bomber is directly linked to a sticker price of approximately $540 million per aircraft. This price tag includes all the costs associated with research and development (R&D) to include stealth technology. In the author' opinion, this price tag is not a valid measure for two reasons. One, much of the aircraft's research and development (stealth technology) is a sunk cost and will apply to other projects.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 16, 1990
Accession Number
ADA241264

Entities

People

  • Frank L. Griffin
  • Lewis V. Evans

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Altitude
  • Attrition
  • Cargo Aircraft
  • Cost Effectiveness
  • Cruise Missiles
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Procurement
  • Second World War
  • Stealth Technology
  • Strategic Weapons
  • Transport Aircraft
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Weapon Systems

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies
  • Missile Defense Systems.