GINGRICH ENDORSES B-2S : SPEAKER TOUTS AIRCRAFT'S VALUE TO DEFENSE IN PALMDALE VISIT.

Byline: Jim Skeen Daily News Staff Writer

House Speaker Newt Gingrich called for expanding the B-2 stealth bomber fleet to 50 airplanes during a visit Friday to the airplane's assembly site at Air Force Plant 42.

Gingrich, R-Ga., said B-2 production should continue at the rate of two or three aircraft a year and that they should be purchased on multiyear contracts instead of year-to-year contracts. The nation could save 20 percent to 30 percent on weapon systems if they were purchased on multiyear contracts.

``We need a minimum fleet of 50 aircraft,'' Gingrich said. ``We are cheating our country and our children if we have less than that.''

Gingrich's contention contradicts both President Clinton and the Pentagon, which has recommended against the construction of any more of the bombers.

In February, Clinton issued a statement saying producing more B-2s would be too costly and take away funding for other defense programs. Northrop Grumman estimates it can build an additional 20 B-2s for about $13 billion.

Clinton, however, did order a study to examine the nation's mix of weapons intended to strike deep into an enemy's territory to determine what additional weapons might be needed.

Gingrich said Congress needs to pursue building more B-2s beyond the 21 already authorized regardless of who wins the November presidential election. GOP candidate Bob Dole has stated he supports building more B-2s, while Clinton wants to cap production at the current 21 aircraft.

Citing the airplane's long-range capability, Gingrich said the B-2 could be launched from within the United States on missions into the Middle East without fear of terrorism.

``We've had two bombings in Saudi Arabia,'' Gingrich said. ``With a B-2 you don't have to have American personnel in Saudi Arabia.''

Gingrich also stated that he envisions Edwards Air Force Base surviving Defense Department consolidation.

``My general impression is Edwards is going to survive under any configuration,'' Gingrich said. ``I can't imagine Edwards being closed.''

Gingrich made the comments during a news conference before addressing Northrop Grumman employees inside the bomber assembly plant. Among those attending Gingrich's presentation was Lancaster Mayor Frank Roberts.

``He praised the employees for a great job and their perseverance in staying with the project,'' Roberts said.

Roberts gave Gingrich a letter urging him to work to win funding for the production of more B-2s.

Northrop Grumman has 2,800 workers at the Palmdale assembly site and about 500 on the flight test program at Edwards Air Force Base now. Production of the B-2s is expected to end in early 1998. Flight testings at Edwards Air Force Base is expected to wind down in July 1997.

In all, Northrop Grumman employs 7,200 people in the program in California. That number is expected to be cut to 2,500 workers - with most in Palmdale - by 2000, said company spokesman Ed Smith.

If more B-2s are ordered, the work force in Palmdale would stabilize at about 3,500 workers, Smith said.

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Photo: (ran in AV and SAC only--color) Newt Gingrich called for extending the production of B-2 bombers Friday at Air Force Plant 42.

Jeff Goldwater/Daily News