A-12 Avenger II: The Navy's $5 Billion Stealth Bomber That Never Flies

The saga of the McDonnell Douglas A-12 Avenger II stands as a stark reminder of the complexities and pitfalls associated with developing cutting-edge military technology. Embarking on an ambitious endeavor to create a carrier-based stealth bomber, the United States Navy aimed to significantly advance its aerial warfare capabilities. However, despite the investment of over $5 billion, the project culminated not in a groundbreaking aircraft but rather in a cautionary tale of budget overruns, technical challenges, and strategic missteps.

Sitting outside the entrance to the Fort Worth Aviation Museum is a testament to Pentagon waste it a full-size mockup of the McDonnell Douglas A-12 Avenger II. More than $5 billion was spent on the naval aviation program, and yet, there is little more to show for it.