For example, when the B-1A program was restarted to produce the B-1B, the per unit cost of the B-1B was three-times higher than the B-1A. Importantly, the B-1B was a modification (albeit a significant one) of the A-model and a gap of just 18 months occurred in the production line.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

Each onboard ADS-B set consists of a Global Positioning System satellite navigation unit, two Pentium microprocessors, some software and a radio transmitter-receiver--not much more gear than you would find behind the dash of a new Cadillac.

FORBES: Free flight

What is more, the unit costs of producing a new bomber are sure to be higher than those associated with the B-2.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | SUMMARY OF THE CENTER FOR SECURITY POLICY��S SECOND HIGH-LEVEL ROUNDTABLE ON THE FUTURE OF THE MANNED BOMBER FORCE