A Clipped Wing: An Assessment of the Effectiveness of the B-21

<p>This thesis examines the effectiveness of the Northrop Grumman B-21 long range strike bomber in advancing the ability of U.S. policy makers to achieve national security objectives. The operational value of the B-21 is assessed through analysing its probable role in four hypothetical combat scenarios, and the relative effectiveness of the B-21 is measured alongside the potential performance of alternative systems. This operational analysis is augmented by a consideration of the shape of recent U.S. national security strategies, as well as the anticipated future security environment, which provides the foundation of an analysis of the ability of the B-21 to support U.S. security objectives within the context of U.S. policy makers' intended approach to foreign policy. This thesis concludes that the B-21 provides a limited increase in the effectiveness of U.S. military operations, and its procurement is incompatible with the anticipated future shape of U.S. security strategy and global interaction.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2016

Author dc:creator

• Hughes, Aidan Thomas

Contributors dc:contributor

• Tom Farer, Ph.D.
• Ved Nanda, Ph.D.
• Lewis Griffith
• Paul Viotti

• Air power
• B-21
• Defense procurement
• Long range bomber
• Retrenchment
• U.S. foreign policy
• International Relations

Statement dc:rights

• <p>Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.</p>

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/1124

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.du.edu:etd-2124