WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 18th August, 2018) The state of Texas has an ideal base for the US Air Force to locate the long-range B-21 strategic stealth bomber now under development, US Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz wrote in a letter to Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson on Friday.
"For 76 years, Dyess AFB [Air Force Base] has effectively served as a premier bomber base for B-47s and B-52s, and has been the principal base for the B-1 since the aircrafts introduction," the letter said. "We sincerely hope that the B-21 Raider will be the next member of the bomber family to join our community."
The letter noted that Dyess Air Force Bases location in North-Central Texas provides year round flying weather, making it ideal for continuous pilot training.
In addition, the Cornyn and Cruz said recent upgrades in Dyess facilities will expand the bases reputation as "the worlds premier bombing installation."
Not to be outdone, the lawmakers also mentioned the so called Abeline Trophy, so named because Dyess nearby city of Abeline is frequently feted as No. 1 in its support for the US military.
Dyess is one of three possible bases for the B-21 bomber with competition from bases in the states of Missouri and South Dakota, according to media reports.
The Air Force plans to deploy a fleet of at least 100 B-21s, with an initial demonstration of the bombers capability expected in the 2020s, according to the main contractor Northrop Grumman.
