B-2 Bomber Test Results
The B-2 bomber program has been the subject of reporting and commentary that has misunderstandably very negative implications (“B-2 Bomber Fails Tests in Evading Radar,” front page, Sept. 12).
In talking about stealth, it should be understood that there is no such thing as complete invisibility to radar. Rather, the importance of stealth is the reduction of range at which radar detection and tracking can be achieved.
Most people seem to have the idea that the only use for the B-2 would be for nuclear attack against the Soviet Union. Actually, the B-2, with appropriate very smart non-nuclear weapons, will be extremely cost-effective for protecting national interests anywhere in the world, until at least the year 2025 during an era when the U.S. continues to relinquish more and more foreign bases. This is because of its combination of high-altitude survivability, long range, large-load-carrying capacity and unequaled aerodynamic efficiency.
JOHN R. MOORE
Sherman Oaks
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