Originally Posted by
JamesNoBrakes
Supposedly the cost for this B-21 is half a billion per copy, but I remember back in the 90s that was the cost for a B-2. That figure seems like a pie-in-the-sky idea, with the real cost most likely being a billion per copy or more...
Despite my gripping about USAF procurement excesses, I think they understand that on this one they will need to come in pretty close to budget. The F-35 was too big to fail, critical capability eggs all in one basket, multi-service, multi-national...and multi-congressional district.
The big-picture requirement for the new bomber is a bit vague and quite hard to defend at all costs...especially once you get over the religion-like justification of the nuclear "triad". The USAF will stand at very real risk of cancellation if they get up to their old acquisition tricks on this one, and I'm pretty sure they know it.