A British B-1 fleet is imagined alongside CVA-01 carriers and a submarine-based nuclear deterrent. Keeping that much air and naval power would impose costs elsewhere, with the army identified as the likely loser. The proposed NATO role concentrates on deep strikes into Soviet territory and securing the alliance's northern flank. A smaller Army of the Rhine follows from this allocation of money and tasks, although the panel disagrees over how far the reduction would go. Quoted ranges of about 5,100 nautical miles for the B-1B and 2,265 for Vulcan are roughly halved to suggest a return-flight radius. This simplified arithmetic does not establish a complete mission profile. Retaining such a bomber capability is also suggested as a possible route to later British involvement in B-21 development.
Notable Point · 3:58:55-4:04:18
A British B-1 force and a smaller Army of the Rhine
The imagined combination of B-1 bombers, CVA-01 carriers and missile submarines shifts Britain's NATO contribution towards strategic strike and maritime forces.