B-2 Bomber’s Capabilities

Robert Scheer’s denunciation of the B-2 bomber (Column Left, Aug. 26) demands a response grounded in fact rather than hyperbole and inaccuracy.

It is unfortunate that Scheer relied upon information reflecting issues that surfaced in earlier versions of the B-2 and have been solved or are being addressed in the current version.

He claims that the B-2 “is not operational.” That is not true. In April, the Air Force declared initial operating capability for the B-2, noting that it gives the United States the capability to project power to any part of the globe within a matter of hours and deliver combat power with precision in support of war-fighting commands. The B-2 has already demonstrated that ability in power-projection missions to various points around the world.

Scheer also makes the absurd assertion that the aircraft’s coating “melts in the rain.” Again, he is wrong. The potential damage the B-2 could sustain from water incursion is no different than any other aircraft. The B-2 is designed not only to fly in the rain, but to stand on alert in severe weather. The fact is that once the B-2 is prepared for combat, exposure to moisture does not damage or degrade the low observable combat configuration.

Contrary to Scheer’s statement, the B-2 does not need to be housed in a hangar at all times. Shelter does facilitate maintenance, however, and makes common sense during bad weather, no differently than with an automobile. Certainly the B-2 requires careful maintenance, as do all aircraft--particu- larly one as revolutionary in its design and mission requirements as the B-2. Nonetheless, the Air Force already has realized significant reductions in maintenance hours in the last six months and expects this trend to continue.

Thoughtful members of Congress on both sides of this critical issue have relied on facts to make their decisions, and a House majority has twice voted in recent months to support the B-2.

WILLIAM H. LAWLER

Vice Pres. and Gen. Manager

Military Aircraft Systems Div.

Northrop Grumman Corp.

Fullerton