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Beyond the Family of Systems
—Marc V. Schanz 9/11/2015
Although the Long-Range Strike Bomber will be a critical component of the “family of systems” strike concept, it has the potential to evolve beyond that, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Dean retired Lt. Gen. David Deptula told a Capitol Hill audience Sept. 10. The family of systems conversation tends to reflect some “old think,” reflecting a desire to kluge “stovepiped systems” together, said Deptula, discussing his new study, “Beyond the Bomber.” In the future, a “combat cloud” information network would introduce the notion of ubiquitous sharing of information across all elements of the strike enterprise, an admittedly “lofty and challenging goal,” he acknowledged, but one that takes the family of systems concept “to the next level” and truly realizes the LRS-B’s potential. Deptula said any discussion about the size of the bomber force should remain informed by national security strategy. If the US maintains the current strategy, which states that forces must be globally engaged as well as capable of fighting expeditionary wars when compelled, forces must be shaped to do this, he said. With 10 Air Expeditionary Forces in USAF today, this would necessitate a force closer to 175 bombers (counting training assets and attrition reserve), said Deptula. However, any number should be a figure based on a balance between risk, capability, and goals of a strategy, he added.
Senators Endorse Need for Bomber Recap
—Marc V. Schanz 9/11/2015
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies on Sept. 10 rolled out a new study exploring the need for and capabilities of a next generation long-range strike aircraft. The report is authored by Mitchell’s dean, retired Lt. Gen. David Deptula. A bipartisan group of senators and congressmen also offered remarks during the Capitol Hill event, saying the US must ensure the success of the Long-Range Strike Bomber. Bombers bring enormous value to the United States and its ability to project power around the globe, including long-range strike and loiter capability, the ability to reassure and shape pre-conflict scenarios, unrivaled capacity, and limited vulnerability to adversary attack, said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). The bomber forces, and air superiority, are key to maintaining the overmatch against potential adversaries around the world, and preserving this is vital to shaping potential global threats, he added. Rounds praised the study, adding it would inform the “doctrinal underpinnings” of how the LRS-B will be acquired and employed, helping to keep America’s bomber force credible. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) noted the US bomber force is vital to maintaining a credible strategic deterrent to de-escalate tensions, pointing to a 2013 B-2 mission to South Korea. “It is in fact the deterrent effect … that is such a powerful message,” she added. (Read the full study; Caution, large-sized file.)
—Marc V. Schanz 9/11/2015
Although the Long-Range Strike Bomber will be a critical component of the “family of systems” strike concept, it has the potential to evolve beyond that, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Dean retired Lt. Gen. David Deptula told a Capitol Hill audience Sept. 10. The family of systems conversation tends to reflect some “old think,” reflecting a desire to kluge “stovepiped systems” together, said Deptula, discussing his new study, “Beyond the Bomber.” In the future, a “combat cloud” information network would introduce the notion of ubiquitous sharing of information across all elements of the strike enterprise, an admittedly “lofty and challenging goal,” he acknowledged, but one that takes the family of systems concept “to the next level” and truly realizes the LRS-B’s potential. Deptula said any discussion about the size of the bomber force should remain informed by national security strategy. If the US maintains the current strategy, which states that forces must be globally engaged as well as capable of fighting expeditionary wars when compelled, forces must be shaped to do this, he said. With 10 Air Expeditionary Forces in USAF today, this would necessitate a force closer to 175 bombers (counting training assets and attrition reserve), said Deptula. However, any number should be a figure based on a balance between risk, capability, and goals of a strategy, he added.
Senators Endorse Need for Bomber Recap
—Marc V. Schanz 9/11/2015
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies on Sept. 10 rolled out a new study exploring the need for and capabilities of a next generation long-range strike aircraft. The report is authored by Mitchell’s dean, retired Lt. Gen. David Deptula. A bipartisan group of senators and congressmen also offered remarks during the Capitol Hill event, saying the US must ensure the success of the Long-Range Strike Bomber. Bombers bring enormous value to the United States and its ability to project power around the globe, including long-range strike and loiter capability, the ability to reassure and shape pre-conflict scenarios, unrivaled capacity, and limited vulnerability to adversary attack, said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). The bomber forces, and air superiority, are key to maintaining the overmatch against potential adversaries around the world, and preserving this is vital to shaping potential global threats, he added. Rounds praised the study, adding it would inform the “doctrinal underpinnings” of how the LRS-B will be acquired and employed, helping to keep America’s bomber force credible. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) noted the US bomber force is vital to maintaining a credible strategic deterrent to de-escalate tensions, pointing to a 2013 B-2 mission to South Korea. “It is in fact the deterrent effect … that is such a powerful message,” she added. (Read the full study; Caution, large-sized file.)