bunge@wam.umd.edu (Robert David Bunge) (05/18/91)
From: Robert David Bunge <bunge@wam.umd.edu> According to an article in the Washington Post, the YF-22, a B-2A and an F- 117A will be flown to Andrews Airforce Base near Washington, D.C. for a "Steath Week" public relations blitz during the week of June 10-13, perhaps giving many americans their first _chance_ to see the B-2 flying overhead. The PR blitz is timed to take place just before the House and Senate are expected to reach key decisions about future funding. The hope of the show stems from the idea of bringing the planes to D.C. so the Air Force won't have to fly congresscritters out to Edwards. While media reporters and TV crews (including the network morning news shows) will be allowed to explore the planes and interview crews, the public is not invited. However, the primary interest to sci.military readers might be that it will be the B-2's first flight across the U.S.. The Post article also says that since the B-2 "lacks a conventional radar system," the FAA only certified the B-2 for daylight flights. Nonetheless, little information is available about the timing of the flight and reporters and photographers will only receive a two hour warning that the plane is about to land at Andrews. [Stealth Week??? Anyone else want to see the last B-24 Liberator (on tour now!) fly formation with the B-2A? It'd be great! --CDR] Bob Bunge bunge@wam.umd.edu