Air Force preparing EIS for B-21 beddown in Texas and Missouri

The Air Force will prepare Environmental Impact Statements for the second and third main operating bases for the B-21 Raider nuclear bomber that is in development, according to a notice of intent posted Monday.

The service will evaluate the potential beddown impacts at Dyess Air Force Base, TX, and Whiteman AFB, MO, which will be MOB2 and MOB3, respectively, the notice states. The evaluation will include the effects associated with infrastructure construction, demolition and renovations along with additional personnel and changes in aircraft operations, it said.

Ellsworth AFB, SD, was chosen as MOB1, according to the notice.

“The EIS will analyze Dyess AFB and Whiteman AFB as basing alternatives for the proposed action as well as a no action alternative,” the notice states. “The basing alternatives were developed to minimize mission impact, maximize facility reuse, minimize cost and reduce overhead as well as leverage the strengths of each base to optimize the B-21 beddown strategy.”

The Air Force and Northrop Grumman are developing the B-21 to replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers. Air Force officials have said first flight is expected later this calendar year.