AEROSPACE

Clinton Softens Stand on B-2: Although the Defense Department has insisted it does not want more B-2 bombers, the president opened the door to a major change in administration policy, saying there are “circumstances under which I could go along with building some more.” Northrop Grumman Corp., which produces the aircraft in Palmdale, has offered to build 20 additional bombers for $15 billion, a proposal that has gained important support in Congress this year. Clinton’s statements marked a departure from the clear-cut rejection that others in his administration have made until now. Asked whether he will support more B-2 production if Congress funds it, Clinton said in an interview with The Times that it would depend on how many more and what trade-offs would exist in funding the production.