AF Sec Roche Pushing FB-22

Aviation Week & Space Technology
02/16/2004, page 16

U.S. Air Force officials are reviving proposals to buy short-takeoff
and vertical-landing F-35C versions of the Joint Strike Fighter and a
bomber derivative of the F/A-22. The FB-22 has a larger diamond-shaped
wing and could carry 30 or more small-diameter bombs. Both aircraft
are being promoted as improving support to ground forces, according to
Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper and Air Force Secretary James Roche.
The new mix of F-35Cs and conventional takeoff F-35As has yet to be
decided, Roche said.