[20060605]RS21848_空军FB-22轰炸机概念.pdf

1 For more on the F-22A, see CRS Report RL31673, F-22A Raptor, by (name redacted).2 Ron Laurenzo, “Roche Envisions Close Air Support F-22,” Defense Week, July 1, 2002.Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21848June 5, 2006Air Force FB-22 Bomber Conceptname redactedSpecialist in National DefenseForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryThe Air Force has expressed interest in developing a bomber variant of the F-22ARaptor to “bridge the gap” between todays bombers and a follow-on bomber in 2037.Questions exist regarding the FB-22s feasability, cost, and combat potential. Thisreport will be updated as events warrant.BackgroundIn 2002 it was reported that Lockheed Martin Corp. had begun studying a radicallymodified version of the Raptor called the FB-22 . This variant would seek to significantlyincrease the F-22As air-to-ground capabilities, primarily through a redesign that woulddouble the aircrafts range and significantly increase the aircrafts internal payload.1Some estimate that the delta-winged FB-22 could carry up to 30 of the developmental250-lb Small Diameter Bombs. These potential improvem