ARMED FORCES: Chemical Bomber

Until the day when its missile capability is completely foolproof, the U.S. Air Force intends to rely on bombers—the faster and higher-flying the better—controlled by alert crews whose accuracy and judgment are as yet superior to those of unmanned vehicles. Last week the Air Force announced that it would contract with Los Angeles' North American Aviation, Inc. for development of the WS (for weapon system) -110A, an intercontinental bomber hopefully designed to fly at Mach 3 (three times the speed of sound) at altitudes ranging to 125,000 ft. The so-called "chemical...