Aircraft
Former Official Describes Secret U.S. Bomber Acquisition
Boeing produced this concept drawing of the Next Generation Bomber in 2009. The program has since morphed into LRS-B (Image: Boeing)
Boeing produced this concept drawing of the Next Generation Bomber in 2009. The program has since morphed into LRS-B (Image: Boeing)

Contractors are working on risk-reduction contracts for the secretive and stealthy long-range strike-bomber (LRS-B) program, the former deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Air Force for acquisition disclosed. During a panel discussion at the Air Force Association (AFA) Air and Space Conference near Washington, D.C, on September 17, retired Lt. Gen. Mark Shackelford said the contracts serve as a technology “bridge” to the future bomber following the cancellation of the Next Generation Bomber (NGB) program in 2009. The Pentagon has instructed contractors not to discuss the LRS-B program, one of the USAF’s top three acquisition priorities.