B-2 Costs

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO identified the net costs associated with the procurement, support, and operation and maintenance of the last five B-2 bombers. GAO noted that: (1) the procurement of 15 instead of 20 B-2 bombers could save the government $1.2 billion; (2) the procurement of certain aircraft support items may be avoidable in future years, since less support equipment is needed to maintain 15 B-2 aircraft; (3) the Air Force's cost estimates are not sufficient to determine what support costs may be avoidable; and (4) operations and maintenance costs for B-2 aircraft over the estimated 25 year life-cycle could be reduced by $61.9 million per year.