University of Denver Digital Commons @ DU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Graduate Studies 1-1-2016 A Clipped Wing: An Assessment of the Effectiveness of the B-21 Aidan Thomas Hughes University of Denver Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd Part of the International Relations Commons Recommended Citation Hughes, Aidan Thomas, "A Clipped Wing: An Assessment of the Effectiveness of the B-21" (2016). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1124. https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/1124 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Studies at Digital Commons @ DU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ DU. For more information, please contact
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[email protected]. A Clipped Wing: An Assessment of the Effectiveness of the B-21 _________________________ A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies University of Denver _________________________ In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts _________________________ by Aidan Thomas Hughes June 2016 Advisor: Professor T. Farer Author: Aidan Thomas Hughes Title: A Clipped Wing: An Assessment of the Effectiveness of the B-21 Advisor: Professor T. Farer Degree Date: June 2016 Abstract This thesis examines the effectiveness of the Northrop Grumman B-21 long range strike bomber in advancing the ability of U.S. policy makers to achieve national security objectives. The operational value of the B-21 is assessed through analysing its probable role in four hypothetical combat scenarios, and the relative effectiveness of the B-21 is measured alongside the potential performance of alternative systems.