Pentagon is looking for drone bombers, but don't expect a B52 replacement, as they'd carry only an 18 lb…

• Reusable bomber drones join the Pentagon's Drone Dominance Program
• Payloads must exceed 8 kilograms, matching existing mortar rounds already available
• Drones must operate 15 to 30 kilometers from their launch positions

The Pentagon has expanded its Drone Dominance Program by seeking reusable unmanned aircraft capable of carrying bombs instead of functioning solely as one-way attack systems.

Unlike traditional strategic bombers, these aircraft are expected to carry payloads exceeding 8 kg (about 18 lb), placing these aircraft in a very different category from long-range bombers such as the B-52.

According to a new Request for Solutions, the Defence Department is seeking man-packable or light combat vehicle transportable drones capable of operating between 15 km and 30 km from their launch positions.

Small reusable bombers instead of strategic aircraft

Officials expect most candidate systems to weigh no more than 55 lb at gross take-off weight, excluding payload, making them substantially smaller than...

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