Matthews said the ACC-led study determined that the platform should be manned and subsonic. It is also envisioned to possess advanced stealth characteristics to penetrate hostile airspace, operate in that environment for extended periods and survive in the face of sophisticated air defenses, he said.
Further, the Air Force anticipates that the new bomber "would have the capacity to carry in the range of 14,000 pounds to 28,000 pounds of ordnance and would have to have a range in excess of 2,000 miles unrefueled," Matthews said while speaking at a discussion on future long-range strike that the Air Force Association's Eaker Institute sponsored.
Source
And the Air Force can't afford to lose a new bomber to such things as crosswinds or dynamic flight conditions. The technology just isn't there yet for an unmanned aircraft to meet the necessary criteria, said retired Gen. Gregory Martin, another panel member.
However, Matthews said there is still room for "optionally manned" possibilities.
Source
I don't know about anyone else, but I'm a little disappointed.
Same speed as our current bombers
Half the ordinance of our current bombers
One third the range of our current bombers
Sounds like a stealthy B-17. Wow. Were really at the forefront of technology.
