Fri, May 08, 2009
$17 Billion Cut... But Trillions More Spent Elsewhere
The Obama Administration, in the process of spending trillions
of dollars for all manner of programs and projects, is trumpeted
the 17 Billion dollars it is trying to cut from the Federal Budget.
Rather than try to digest them all en masse, we'll look at each of
them one at a time and allow you to make up YOUR mind as to the
rationale and wisdom for the decisions included below. Herewith;
another of the programs on the chopping block that has an aviation
or aerospace connotation.
From the 'Terminations, Reductions, and Savings' document
published this week by the OMB, as part of the FY 2010 US
Budget:
Proposal: The Administration proposes to
terminate the Multiple Kill Vehicle (MKV), which is a long-term
research and development program designed to counter ballistic
missile threats by using several "kill" vehicles launched from a
single interceptor, or missile. The Administration will instead
focus on proven, near-term missile defense programs that can
provide more immediate defenses of the United States, its deployed
forces, and allies against ballistic missile attack.
Justification: The 2006 Quadrennial Defense
Review proposed that DOD develop a new long-range heavy bomber by
2018 to augment the current bomber fleet of B-52s, B-2s and B-1Bs.1
The Administration has decided not to pursue technology efforts
aimed at developing a new bomber because the current fleet is
performing well. Further, as a result of ongoing efforts to upgrade
the existing bomber fleet with new electronic and weapons systems,
current aircraft will be able to meet the threats expected in the
foreseeable future. Since there is no urgent need to begin an
expensive development program for a new bomber, the Department will
utilize the additional time to develop a better understanding of
the requirement and to develop the technologies most suitable for a
long-range bomber. Also, the Congressional Budget Office, in its
analysis of the long-term implications of the defense program,
concluded that DOD's weapons acquisition program, including the
future bomber fleet, may not be affordable over the next six
years.2 Not pursuing this program will result in savings of several
hundred million dollars through 2013.
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