The French Air Force has no more manned bombers, the last of the Mirage-IV nuclear strike aircraft having been converted into recon planes years ago. The Afghan War has inspired Airbus and the European Aerospace and Defense group to postulate a bomber version of a four-engine airliner. Such an aircraft could carry sensors and precision-guided bombs, although it could not be used for forced entry to defended airspace. The French government says this is no more than wishful thinking.--Stephen V Cole