ASSESSMENT OF CAPABILITIES OF B-1B TO PENETRATE ENEMY AIR DEFENSES

SEC. 243. ASSESSMENT OF CAPABILITIES OF B-1B TO PENETRATE ENEMY AIR DEFENSES (a) Independent Assessment.—The Secretary of Defense shall provide for an independent assessment of the capabilities of the B-1B aircraft to penetrate air defenses of potential enemies. The Secretary shall appoint a panel of experts from the private sector to conduct the assessment and shall provide the panel such resources as are necessary, including technical assistance by private contractors, to assist the panel in conducting the assessment. Individuals 101 STAT. 1064 appointed to the panel shall be independent of the Air Force and shall have no arrangements with the Air Force that would constitute a conflict of interest. (b) Configurations To Be Considered.—The panel shall estimate the air defense penetration capabilities of the B-1B aircraft in all of its mission profiles as the aircraft is estimated to be configured at each of the following times: (1) Initial operational capability. (2) The time the assessment is conducted. (3) The completion of the developmental test and evaluation / initial operational test and evaluation period during fiscal year 1989. (4) The completion of the baseline modifications program during fiscal year 1991. (c) Threats To Be Considered.—The panel shall estimate the air defense penetration capabilities of the B-1B aircraft against the threats described— (1) in the 1981 joint Office of the Secretary of Defense/Air Force Bomber Alternatives Study; (2) in the 1986 Strategic Bomber Force Study; and (3) in the most current threat baseline established by the intelligence community. (d) Cooperation With Panel.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that individuals serving on the panel receive the full cooperation of all components of the Department of Defense in carrying out the functions of the panel under this section. (e) Reports.—The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives— (1) an initial report on the assumptions that are to be used by the panel in making the assessment described in subsection (a); (2) periodic reports on the development and progress of the assessment; and (3) the final report of the panel (together with such comments as the Secretary considers appropriate) not later than March 1, 1988. (f) Funding.—Of the amount appropriated for research, development, test, and evaluation for the Air Force for fiscal year 1988, up to $1,000,000 of the amount available for the B-1B aircraft program shall be available only for the conduct of the assessment under this section.