Boeing may build a bomber version of F-22

LONDON – The US Air Force is considering allowing Boeing Co to build a
bomber version of Lockheed Martin Corp’s F-22 fighter jet, in a move at least partially aimed at preserving Boeing’s currently limited role in the high-performance-aircraft market, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The paper noted that the F-22 bomber version (FB-22) is not yet an actual program, but cited people who have spoken to Air Force Secretary James Roche as saying he is openly discussing giving Boeing a greater share of production on the F-22, and possibly shifting work to its military aircraft unit in St Louis.
Air Force spokesman Bill Bodie told the paper: “Should (the FB-22) move into an actual program, we’d work cooperatively with the prime contractor, Lockheed, to decide the best acquisition approach including the place or places where manufacturing and assembly would take place.”