Rockwell B-1 Lancer – Flickroom

The Rockwell B-1 Lancer [ N 1 ] is a supersonic variable-sweep wing, heavy bomber used by the United States Air Force. It is normally called the “ Bone ” ( from “ B-One ” ). [ 1 ] It is one of three strategic bombers serving in the U.S. Air Force fleet along with the B-2 Spirit and the B-52 Stratofortress as of 2022. The B-1 was first envisioned in the 1960s as a platform that would combine the Mach 2 accelerate of the B-58 Hustler with the range and warhead of the B-52, and was meant to ultimately replace both bombers. After a hanker series of studies, Rockwell International ( now separate of Boeing ) won the design contest for what emerged as the B-1A. This version had a top amphetamine of Mach 2.2 at high gear altitude and the capability of flying for long distances at Mach 0.85 at identical first gear altitudes. The combination of the senior high school monetary value of the aircraft, the insertion of the AGM-86 cruise projectile that flew the same basic focal ratio and distance, and early make on the stealth bomber all importantly reduced the necessitate for the B-1. This led to the program being canceled in 1977, after the B-1A prototypes had been built.

The program was restarted in 1981, largely as an interim measure due to delays in the B-2 stealth bomber platform. This led to a redesign as the B-1B, which differed from the B-1A by having a lower peak accelerate of Mach 1.25 at high elevation, but improved the low-level speed to Mach 0.96. The electronics were besides extensively improved, and the airframe was improved to allow takeoff with the utmost possible fuel and weapons load. Deliveries of the B-1B began in 1986 and formally entered military service with Strategic Air Command ( SAC ) as a nuclear bomber that same year. By 1988, all 100 aircraft had been delivered. With the disestablishment of SAC and its reassignment to the Air Combat Command in 1992, the B-1B was converted for a conventional bombing function. It first served in combat during Operation Desert Fox in 1998 and again during the NATO action in Kosovo the follow year. The B-1B has supported U.S. and NATO military forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Air Force has an inventory of 45 B-1Bs as of 2021. [ 2 ] The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider is to begin replacing the B-1B after 2025 ; all B-1s are planned to be retired by 2036. [ 3 ]

Development

background

In 1955, the USAF issued requirements for a modern bomber combining the warhead and range of the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress with the Mach 2 maximal rush of the Convair B-58 Hustler. [ 4 ] In December 1957, the USAF selected north american Aviation ‘s B-70 Valkyrie for this function, a six-engine bomber that could cruise at Mach 3 at high altitude ( 70,000 foot or 21,000 megabyte ). [ 5 ] [ 6 ] Soviet Union interceptor aircraft, the merely effective anti-bomber weapon in the 1950s, [ 7 ] were already unable to intercept the high-flying Lockheed U-2 ; [ 8 ] the Valkyrie would fly at like altitudes, but much higher speeds, and was expected to fly right by the fighters. [ 7 ]
The XB-70 Valkyrie was chosen in 1957 to replace the Hustler, but suffered as a consequence of a switch in doctrine from high to low-level fly profiles By the deep 1950s, however, anti-aircraft surface-to-air missiles ( SAMs ) could threaten high-level aircraft, [ 9 ] as demonstrated by the 1960 devour of Gary Powers ‘ U-2. [ 10 ] The USAF Strategic Air Command ( SAC ) was mindful of these developments and had begun moving its bombers to low-level penetration even before the U-2 incident. This tactic greatly reduces radar detection distances through the use of terrain masking ; using features of the terrain like hills and valleys, the line-of-sight from the radar to the bomber can be broken, rendering the radar ( and homo observers ) incapable of seeing it. [ 11 ] Additionally, radars of the era were submit to “ clutter “ from roll returns from the establish and early objects, which meant a minimum angle existed above the horizon where they could detect a prey. Bombers flying at moo altitudes could remain under these angles simply by keeping their outdistance from the radar sites. This combination of effects made SAMs of the era ineffective against low-flying aircraft. [ 11 ] [ 12 ] The same effects besides meant that low-flying aircraft were unmanageable to detect by higher-flying interceptors, since their radar systems could not readily pick out aircraft against the clutter from labor reflections ( miss of look-down/shoot-down capability ). The throw from high-level to low-level flight profiles sternly affected the B-70, the blueprint of which was tuned for high-level performance. Higher aerodynamic drag at gloomy grade limited the B-70 to subsonic speed while dramatically decreasing its range. [ 9 ] The result would be an aircraft with somewhat higher subsonic accelerate than the B-52, but less range. Because of this, and a growing shift to the intercontinental ballistic missile ( ICBM ) coerce, the B-70 bomber program was cancelled in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, [ 7 ] [ 13 ] and the two XB-70 prototypes were used in a supersonic research program. [ 14 ] Although never intended for the low-level function, the B-52 ‘s tractability allowed it to outlast its intended successor as the nature of the tune war environment changed. The B-52 ‘s huge fuel load allowed it to operate at lower altitudes for longer times, and the large airframe allowed the summation of better radar throng and magic trick suites to deal with radars. [ 15 ] During the Vietnam War, the concept that all future wars would be nuclear was turned on its forefront, and the “ big belly ” modifications increased the B-52 ‘s total bombard load to 60,000 pounds ( 27,000 kilogram ), [ 16 ] turning it into a powerful tactical aircraft which could be used against labor troops along with strategic targets from gamey altitudes. [ 12 ] The much smaller bomb true laurel of the B-70 would have made it much less utilitarian in this character .

Design studies and delays

Although effective, the B-52 was not ideal for the low-level role. This led to a number of aircraft designs known as penetrators, which were tuned specifically for long-range low-level flight. The first gear of these designs to see process was the supersonic F-111 fighter-bomber, which used variable-sweep wings for tactical missions. [ 17 ] A number of studies on a strategic-range counterpart followed. The first post-B-70 strategic penetrator study was known as the Subsonic Low-Altitude Bomber ( SLAB ), which was completed in 1961. This produced a invention that looked more like an airliner than a bomber, with a big swing annex, T-tail, and bombastic high-bypass engines. [ 18 ] This was followed by the like Extended Range fall upon Aircraft ( ERSA ), which added a variable-sweep flank, then en vogue in the aviation diligence. ERSA envisioned a relatively small aircraft with a 10,000-pound ( 4,500 kilogram ) cargo and a range of 10,070 miles ( 16,210 kilometer ) including 2,900 miles ( 4,700 kilometer ) flown at low altitudes. In August 1963, the exchangeable Low-Altitude Manned Penetrator plan was completed, which called for an aircraft with a 20,000-pound ( 9,100 kilogram ) bombard load and slightly shorter range of 8,230 miles ( 13,240 kilometer ). [ 19 ] [ 20 ] These all culminated in the October 1963 Advanced Manned Precision Strike System ( AMPSS ), which led to industry studies at Boeing, General Dynamics, and north American. [ 21 ] [ 22 ] In mid-1964, the USAF had revised its requirements and retitled the project as Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft ( AMSA ), which differed from AMPSS primarily in that it besides demanded a high-speed high-level capability, similar to that of the existing Mach 2-class F-111. [ 23 ] Given the drawn-out series of design studies, Rockwell engineers joked that the newly mention actually stood for “ America ‘s Most Studied aircraft ”. [ 24 ] The arguments that led to the cancellation of the B-70 broadcast had led some to question the necessitate for a new strategic bomber of any classify. The USAF was diamond about retaining bombers as contribution of the nuclear trio concept that included bombers, ICBMs, and submarine-launched ballistic missiles ( SLBMs ) in a compound package that complicated any electric potential department of defense. They argued that the bomber was needed to attack hardened military targets and to provide a safe counterforce option because the bombers could be quickly launched into dependable loitering areas where they could not be attacked. however, the introduction of the SLBM made moot the mobility and survivability argument, and a newer genesis of ICBMs, such as the Minuteman III, had the accuracy and speed needed to attack point targets. During this time, ICBMs were seen as a less dearly-won choice based on their lower unit of measurement cost, [ 25 ] but exploitation costs were a lot higher. [ 9 ] Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara preferred ICBMs over bombers for the Air Force fortune of the deterrent force out [ 26 ] and felt a new expensive bomber was not needed. [ 27 ] [ 28 ] McNamara limited the AMSA program to studies and component development get down in 1964. [ 28 ] program studies continued ; IBM and Autonetics were awarded AMSA advanced avionics study contracts in 1968. [ 28 ] [ 29 ] McNamara remained opposed to the program in favor of upgrading the existing B-52 fleet and adding about 300 FB-111s for shorter range roles then being filled by the B-58. [ 12 ] [ 28 ] He again vetoed support for AMSA aircraft development in 1968. [ 29 ]

B-1A broadcast

President Richard Nixon reestablished the AMSA plan after taking office, keeping with his administration ‘s elastic response scheme that required a wide range of options shortstop of general nuclear war. [ 31 ] Nixon ‘s Secretary of Defense, Melvin Laird, reviewed the programs and decided to lower the numbers of FB-111s, since they lacked the hope range, and recommended that the AMSA design studies be accelerated. [ 31 ] In April 1969, the program formally became the B-1A. [ 12 ] [ 31 ] This was the first entrance in the newfangled bomber appointment series, created in 1962. The Air Force issued a request for proposals in November 1969. [ 32 ]
B-1A prototype Proposals were submitted by Boeing, General Dynamics and North American Rockwell in January 1970. [ 32 ] [ 33 ] In June 1970, north american Rockwell was awarded the development contract. [ 32 ] The master course of study called for two test airframes, five flyable aircraft, and 40 engines. This was cut in 1971 to one ground and three flight test aircraft. [ 34 ] The company changed its appoint to Rockwell International and named its aircraft division North American Aircraft Operations in 1973. [ 35 ] A fourth prototype, built to production standards, was ordered in the fiscal year 1976 budget. Plans called for 240 B-1As to be built, with initial operational capability set for 1979. [ 36 ] Rockwell ‘s plan had features common to the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark and north american XB-70 Valkyrie. It used a crew escape capsule, that ejected as a unit to improve gang survivability if the crew had to abandon the aircraft at high speed. additionally, the purpose featured bombastic variable-sweep wings in order to provide both more lift during takeoff and land, and lower drag during a high-speed dash phase. [ 37 ] With the wings set to their widest position the aircraft had a much better airfield performance than the B-52, allowing it to operate from a wider variety of bases. penetration of the Soviet Union ‘s defenses would take put at supersonic focal ratio, crossing them adenine promptly as possible before entering the more sparsely maintain interior of the nation where speeds could be reduced again. [ 37 ] The big size and fuel capacity of the design would allow the “ hyphen ” parcel of the trajectory to be relatively long. In holy order to achieve the ask Mach 2 performance at high altitudes, the run down nozzles and air travel intake ramps were variable. [ 38 ] Initially, it had been expected that a Mach 1.2 performance could be achieved at low altitude, which required that titanium be used in critical areas in the fuselage and wing structure. The low altitude performance prerequisite was former lowered to Mach 0.85, reducing the sum of titanium and therefore price. [ 34 ] A pair of little vanes mounted near the scent are function of an active voice oscillation damping arrangement that smooths out the otherwise rough low-level ride. [ 39 ] The first three B-1As featured the escape ejection seat that ejected the cockpit with all four crew members inside. The fourth B-1A was equipped with a conventional expulsion seat for each crew member. [ 40 ] The B-1A mockup review occurred in late October 1971 ; this resulted in 297 requests for alteration to the design due to failures to meet specifications and desired improvements for ease of care and operation. [ 41 ] The first gear B-1A prototype ( Air Force serial no. 74–0158 ) flew on 23 December 1974. [ 42 ] As the plan continued the per-unit cost continued to rise in depart because of high inflation during that time period. In 1970, the estimated unit cost was $ 40 million, and by 1975, this trope had climbed to $ 70 million. [ 43 ]

New problems and cancellation

B-1A nose section with ejection capsule denoted. Three of the four B-1As were fitted with escape capsules. In 1976, soviet fender Viktor Belenko defected to Japan with his MiG-25 “ Foxbat ”. [ 44 ] During debriefing he described a new “ super-Foxbat ” ( about surely referring to the MiG-31 ) that had look-down/shoot-down radar in order to attack cruise missiles. This would besides make any low-level penetration aircraft “ visible ” and easy to attack. [ 45 ] Given that the B-1 ‘s armament suite was alike to the B-52, and it now appeared no more probable to survive soviet airspace than the B-52, the platform was increasingly questioned. [ 46 ] In particular, Senator William Proxmire continually derided the B-1 in public, arguing it was an outlandishly expensive dinosaur. During the 1976 federal election campaign, Jimmy Carter made it one of the Democratic Party ‘s platforms, saying “ The B-1 bomber is an case of a proposed system which should not be funded and would be wasteful of taxpayers ‘ dollars. ” [ 47 ] When Carter took office in 1977 he ordered a review of the entire platform. By this point the projected price of the course of study had risen to over $ 100 million per aircraft, although this was life cost over 20 years. He was informed of the relatively raw knead on stealth aircraft that had started in 1975, and he decided that this was a better approach than the B-1. Pentagon officials besides stated that the AGM-86 Air Launched Cruise Missile ( ALCM ) launched from the existing B-52 flit would give the USAF adequate capability of penetrating soviet airspace. With a range of 1,500 miles ( 2,400 kilometer ), the ALCM could be launched well outside the range of any soviet defenses and infiltrate at low altitude like a bomber ( with a much lower radar cross-section due to smaller size ), and in much greater numbers at a lower cost. [ 48 ] A small phone number of B-52s could launch hundreds of ALCMs, saturating the defense. A program to improve the B-52 and develop and deploy the ALCM would cost at least 20 % less than the design 244 B-1As. [ 47 ] On 30 June 1977, Carter announced that the B-1A would be canceled in favor of ICBMs, SLBMs, and a fleet of modernized B-52s armed with ALCMs. [ 36 ] Carter called it “ one of the most unmanageable decisions that I ‘ve made since I ‘ve been in office. ” No mention of the stealth work was made public with the program being top mysterious, but it is now known that in early 1978 he authorized the Advanced Technology Bomber ( ATB ) project, which finally led to the B-2 Spirit. [ 49 ] domestically, the reaction to the cancellation was split along partisan lines. The Department of Defense was surprised by the announcement ; it expected that the number of B-1s ordered would be reduced to around 150. [ 50 ] Congressman Robert Dornan ( R-CA ) claimed, “ They ‘re breaking out the vodka and caviar in Moscow. ” [ 51 ] however, it appears the Soviets were more concerned by bombastic numbers of ALCMs representing a much greater menace than a smaller number of B-1s. soviet news agency TASS commented that “ the execution of these militaristic plans has seriously complicated efforts for the restriction of the strategic arms race. ” [ 47 ] westerly military leaders were by and large glad with the decision. NATO air force officer Alexander Haig described the ALCM as an “ attractive alternative ” to the B-1. french General Georges Buis stated “ The B-1 is a formidable weapon, but not terribly utilitarian. For the monetary value of one bomber, you can have 200 cruise missiles. ” [ 47 ] Flight tests of the four B-1A prototypes for the B-1A program continued through April 1981. The program included 70 flights totaling 378 hours. A top rush of Mach 2.22 was reached by the second B-1A. Engine testing besides continued during this clock with the YF101 engines totaling about 7,600 hours. [ 52 ]

Shifting priorities

A Rockwell B-1A in 1984 It was during this period that the Soviets started to assert themselves in respective new theaters of carry through, in detail through Cuban proxies during the Angolan Civil War starting in 1975 and the soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. U.S. strategy to this period had been focused on containing Communism and planning for war in Europe. The modern soviet actions revealed that the military lacked capability outside these narrow confines. [ citation needed ] The U.S. Department of Defense responded by accelerating its rapid Deployment Forces concept but suffered from major problems with airlift and sealift capability. [ 53 ] In order to slow an foe invasion of other countries, publicize ability was critical ; however the key Iran-Afghanistan surround was outside the image of the U.S. Navy ‘s carrier-based attack aircraft, leaving this role to the U.S. Air Force. During the 1980 presidential campaign, Ronald Reagan campaigned heavy on the platform that Carter was weak on defensive structure, citing the cancellation of the B-1 program as an exercise, a theme he continued using into the 1980s. [ 54 ] During this time Carter ‘s defense repository, Harold Brown, announced the stealth bomber project, obviously implying that this was the reason for the B-1 cancellation. [ 55 ] [ verification needed ]

B-1B platform

The first B-1B debuted outside a airdock in Palmdale, California, 1984 On taking office, Reagan was faced with the like decision as carter before : whether to continue with the B-1 for the short term, or to wait for the development of the ATB, a a lot more advance aircraft. Studies suggested that the existing B-52 fleet with ALCM would remain a credible threat until 1985. It was predicted that 75 % of the B-52 impel would survive to attack its targets. [ 56 ] After 1985, the presentation of the SA-10 missile, the MiG-31 interceptor and the foremost effective soviet Airborne Early Warning and Control ( AWACS ) systems would make the B-52 increasingly vulnerable. [ 57 ] During 1981, funds were allocated to a newly discipline for a bomber for the 1990s time-frame which led to developing the Long-Range Combat Aircraft ( LRCA ) project. The LRCA evaluated the B-1, F-111, and ATB as possible solutions ; an vehemence was placed on multi-role capabilities, as opposed to strictly strategic operations. [ 56 ] In 1981, it was believed the B-1 could be in operation before the ATB, covering the transitional period between the B-52 ‘s increasing vulnerability and the ATB ‘s introduction. Reagan decided the best solution was to procure both the B-1 and ATB, and on 2 October 1981 he announced that 100 B-1s were to be ordered to fill the LRCA character. [ 37 ] [ 58 ] In January 1982, the U.S. Air Force awarded two contracts to Rockwell worth a blend $ 2.2 billion for the exploitation and production of 100 new B-1 bombers. [ 59 ] numerous changes were made to the design to make it better suited to the now expected missions, resulting in the B-1B. [ 48 ] These changes included a reduction in utmost travel rapidly, [ 55 ] which allowed the variable-aspect intake ramps to be replaced by simple fixed geometry intake ramps. This reduced the B-1B ‘s radar cross-section which was seen as a dependable trade off for the speed decrease. [ 37 ] High subsonic speeds at low altitude became a concentrate area for the retool design, [ 55 ] and low-level speeds were increased from about Mach 0.85 to 0.92. The B-1B has a maximum amphetamine of Mach 1.25 at higher altitudes. [ 37 ] [ 60 ] The B-1B ‘s maximal takeoff weight was increased to 477,000 pounds ( 216,000 kilogram ) from the B-1A ‘s 395,000 pounds ( 179,000 kilogram ). [ 37 ] [ 61 ] The weight increase was to allow for parody with a fully internal fuel load and for external weapons to be carried. Rockwell engineers were able to reinforce critical areas and lighten non-critical areas of the airframe, so the increase in empty weight was minimal. [ 61 ] To deal with the introduction of the MiG-31 equipped with the new Zaslon radar system, and other aircraft with look-down capability, the B-1B ‘s electronic war cortege was importantly upgrade. [ 37 ]
B-1B banking during a demonstration in 2004 enemy to the plan was widespread within Congress. Critics pointed out that many of the original problems remained in both areas of performance and expense. [ 62 ] In particular it seemed the B-52 fitted with electronics exchangeable to the B-1B would be equally able to avoid interception, as the speed advantage of the B-1 was now minimal. It besides appeared that the “ interim ” prison term frame served by the B-1B would be less than a ten, being rendered obsolete concisely after the introduction of a much more capable ATB design. [ 63 ] The primary argument in favor of the B-1 was its big conventional weapon warhead, and that its parody performance allowed it to operate with a credible turkey load from a much wider variety of airfields. production subcontracts were diffuse across many congressional districts, making the aircraft more popular on Capitol Hill. [ citation needed ] B-1A No. 1 was disassembled and used for radar examination at the Rome Air Development Center at the former Griffiss Air Force Base, New York. [ 64 ] B-1As No. 2 and No. 4 were then modified to include B-1B systems. The first B-1B was completed and began flight test in March 1983. The first output B-1B was rolled out on 4 September 1984 and first vanish on 18 October 1984. [ 65 ] The 100th and final B-1B was delivered on 2 May 1988 ; [ 66 ] before the stopping point B-1B was delivered, the USAF had determined that the aircraft was vulnerable to Soviet air defenses. [ 67 ]

design

overview

The B-1 has a blended annex consistency configuration, with variable-sweep annex, four fanjet engines, triangular ride-control fins and cruciate fag end. The wings can sweep from 15 degrees to 67.5 degrees ( wide forward to full slam ). Forward-swept wing settings are used for takeoff, landings and high-level economic cruise. Aft-swept flank settings are used in high subsonic and supersonic flight. [ 68 ] The B-1 ‘s variable-sweep wings and thrust-to-weight ratio provide it with improved takeoff performance, allowing it to use shorter runways than previous bombers. [ 69 ] The duration of the aircraft presented a flex trouble due to vent turbulence at depleted altitude. To alleviate this, Rockwell included little triangular five restraint surfaces or vanes near the nose on the B-1. The B-1 ‘s Structural Mode Control System moves the vanes, and lower rudder, to counteract the effects of turbulence and smooth out the ride. [ 70 ]
rear view of B-1B in flight, 2004 Unlike the B-1A, the B-1B can not reach Mach 2+ speeds ; its utmost accelerate is Mach 1.25 ( about 950 miles per hour or 1,530 km/h at elevation ), [ 71 ] but its low-level amphetamine increased to Mach 0.92 ( 700 miles per hour, 1,130 kilometers per hour ). [ 60 ] The speed of the current version of the aircraft is limited by the need to avoid damage to its structure and air intakes. To help lower its RCS, the B-1B uses serpentine air consumption ducts ( see S-duct ) and fixed inhalation ramps, which limit its travel rapidly compared to the B-1A. Vanes in the inhalation ducts serve to deflect and shield radar returns from the highly brooding engine compressor blades. [ 72 ] The B-1A ‘s engine was modified slightly to produce the GE F101-102 for the B-1B, with an vehemence on lastingness, and increased efficiency. [ 73 ] The core from this engine was subsequently used in several early engines, including the GE F110 used in the F-14 Tomcat, F-15K/SG variants and late versions of the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. [ 74 ] It is besides the basis for the non- afterburning GE F118 used in the B-2 Spirit and the U-2S. [ 74 ] The F101 locomotive kernel is besides used in the CFM56 civil locomotive. [ 75 ] The nose-gear door is the placement for ground-crew manipulate of the accessory power unit ( APU ) which can be used during a scamper for quick-starting the APU. [ 76 ] [ 77 ]

Avionics

B-1B cockpit at night The B-1 ‘s chief calculator is the IBM AP-101, which was besides used on the Space Shuttle satellite and the B-52 bomber. [ 78 ] The calculator is programmed with the JOVIAL scheduling lyric. [ 79 ] The Lancer ‘s nauseating avionics include the Westinghouse ( now Northrop Grumman ) AN/APQ-164 advanced nauseating passive electronically scanned array radar set with electronic glow steer ( and a fix antenna pointed downward for reduced radar observability ), synthetic aperture radar, ground moving prey reading ( GMTI ), and terrain-following radar modes, Doppler navigation, radar altimeter, and an inertial navigation cortege. [ 80 ] The B-1B Block D promote added a Global Positioning System ( GPS ) receiver beginning in 1995. [ 81 ] The B-1 ‘s defensive electronics include the Eaton AN/ALQ-161A radar admonition and defensive obstruct equipment, [ 82 ] which has three sets of antenna ; one at the front base of each wing and the third rear-facing in the tail radome. [ 83 ] [ 84 ] besides in the dock radome is the AN/ALQ-153 missile approach warning system ( pulse-Doppler radar ). [ 85 ] The ALQ-161 is linked to a total of eight AN/ALE-49 flare dispensers located on top behind the canopy, which are handled by the AN/ASQ-184 avionics management system. [ 86 ] Each AN/ALE-49 dispenser has a capacity of 12 MJU-23A/B flares. The MJU-23A/B erupt is one of the world ‘s largest infrared countermeasure flares at a weight of over 3.3 pounds ( 1.5 kilogram ). [ 87 ] The B-1 has besides been equipped to carry the ALE-50 towed decoy system. [ 88 ] besides aiding the B-1 ‘s survivability is its relatively low RCS. Although not technically a stealth aircraft, thanks to the aircraft ‘s structure, serpentine intake paths and use of radar-absorbent material its RCS is about 1/50th that of the similar sized B-52. This is approximately 26 ft2 or 2.4 m2, comparable to that of a minor combatant aircraft. [ 86 ] [ 89 ] [ 90 ] The B-1 holds 61 FAI world records for rush, warhead, distance, and time-to-climb in different aircraft weight classes. [ 91 ] [ 92 ] In November 1993, three B-1Bs set a long-distance record for the aircraft, which demonstrated its ability to conduct gallop mission lengths to strike anywhere in the world and tax return to base without any stops. [ 93 ] The National Aeronautic Association recognized the B-1B for completing one of the 10 most memorable phonograph record flights for 1994. [ 88 ]

Upgrades

The B-1 has been upgraded since product, beginning with the “ conventional Mission Upgrade Program ” ( CMUP ), which added a new MIL-STD-1760 smart-weapons interface to enable the use of precision-guided conventional weapons. CMUP was delivered through a series of upgrades :
In 2007, the Sniper XR targeting pod was integrated on the B-1 fleet. The pod is mounted on an external hardpoint at the aircraft ‘s chin near the forth bombard bay. [ 99 ] Following accelerate test, the Sniper pod was fielded in summer 2008. [ 100 ] [ 101 ] Future preciseness munitions include the Small Diameter Bomb. [ 102 ] The USAF commenced the Integrated Battle Station ( IBS ) alteration in 2012 as a combination of three separate upgrades when it realised the benefits of completing them concurrently ; the Fully Integrated Data Link ( FIDL ), Vertical Situational Display Unit ( ASDU ) and Central Integrated Test System ( CITS ). [ 103 ] FIDL enables electronic data sharing, eliminating the motivation to enter information between systems by hand. [ 104 ] VSDU replaces existing flight instruments with multifunction coloring material displays, a second display aids with menace evasion and target, and acts as a back-up display. CITS saw a new diagnostic system installed that allows crew to monitor over 9,000 parameters on the aircraft. [ 105 ] other additions are to replace the two spinning batch gyroscopic inertial navigation system with ring laser gyroscopic systems and a GPS antenna, replacement of the APQ-164 radar with the Scalable Agile Beam Radar – Global Strike ( SABR-GS ) active electronically scan array, and a new attitude index. [ 106 ] The IBS upgrades were completed in 2020. [ 103 ] In August 2019, the Air Force unveiled a modification to the B-1B to allow it to carry more weapons internally and outwardly. Using the movable forward bulkhead, space in the average bay was increased from 180 to 269 in ( 457 to 683 centimeter ). Flickroomng the internal bay to make use of the Common Strategic Rotary Launcher ( CSRL ), deoxyadenosine monophosphate good as utilizing six of the eight external hardpoints that had been previously out of use to keep in wrinkle with the New START Treaty, would increase the B-1B ‘s weapon load from 24 to 40. The configuration besides enables it to carry heavier weapons in the 5,000 pound ( 2,300 kilogram ) range, such as hypersonic missiles ; the AGM-183 ARRW is planned for integration onto the bomber, which could carry up to 31 missiles. [ 107 ] [ 108 ] [ 109 ]

operational history

Strategic Air Command

The second B-1B, “ The Star of Abilene ”, was the first gear B-1B deliver to SAC in June 1985. initial operational capability was reached on 1 October 1986 and the B-1B was placed on nuclear alert status. [ 110 ] [ 111 ] The B-1 received the official mention “ Lancer ” on 15 March 1990. however, the bomber has been normally called the “ Bone ” ; a nickname that appears to stem from an early newspaper article on the aircraft wherein its appoint was phonetically spelled out as “ B-ONE ” with the hyphen unwittingly omitted. [ 1 ]
A level decommission B-1 being transported by flatbed hand truck In late 1990, engine fires in two Lancers led to a ground of the fleet. The cause was traced back to problems in the first-stage winnow, and the aircraft were placed on “ express alert ” ; in other words, they were grounded unless a nuclear war broke out. Following inspections and repairs they were returned to duty beginning on 6 February 1991. [ 112 ] [ 113 ] By 1991, the B-1 had a fledgling conventional capability, forty of them able to drop the 500-pound ( 230 kilogram ) Mk-82 General Purpose ( GP ) bomb, although by and large from low altitude. Despite being cleared for this role, the problems with the engines prevented their function in Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War. [ 67 ] [ 114 ] B-1s were primarily reserved for strategic nuclear strike missions at this clock time, providing the character of airborne nuclear hindrance against the Soviet Union. [ 114 ] The B-52 was more befit to the function of conventional war and it was used by alliance forces alternatively. [ 114 ] originally designed rigorously for nuclear war, the B-1 ‘s development as an effective conventional bomber was delayed. The break down of the Soviet Union had brought the B-1 ‘s nuclear function into question, leading to President George H. W. Bush ordering a $ 3 billion conventional refit. [ 115 ] After the inactivation of SAC and the establishment of the Air Combat Command ( ACC ) in 1992, the B-1 developed a greater conventional weapons capability. part of this development was the start-up of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School B-1 Division. [ 116 ] In 1994, two extra B-1 turkey wings were besides created in the Air National Guard, with early champion wings in the Kansas Air National Guard and the Georgia Air National Guard converting to the aircraft. [ 117 ] By the mid-1990s, the B-1 could employ GP weapons vitamin a well as assorted CBUs. By the end of the 1990s, with the advent of the “ Block D ” upgrade, the B-1 boasted a full array of guided and unguided munitions. The B-1B no long carries nuclear weapons ; [ 37 ] its nuclear capability was disabled by 1995 with the removal of nuclear arm and fuzing hardware. [ 118 ] Under provisions of the New START treaty with Russia, further conversions were performed. These included alteration of aircraft hardpoints to prevent nuclear weapon pylons from being attached, removal of weapons bay wiring bundles for arming nuclear weapons, and destruction of nuclear weapon pylons. The conversion procedure was completed in 2011, and russian officials inspect the aircraft every year to verify complaisance. [ 119 ]

Air Combat Command

A B-1B Lancer with wings swept full forward The B-1 was first base used in combat in confirm of operations in Iraq during Operation Desert Fox in December 1998, employing unguided GP weapons. B-1s have been subsequently used in Operation Allied Force ( Kosovo ) and, most notably, in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. [ 37 ] The B-1 has deployed an array of conventional weapons in war zones, most notably the GBU-31, 2,000-pound ( 910 kilogram ) JDAM. [ 37 ] In the first six months of Operation Enduring Freedom, eight B-1s dropped about 40 percentage of forward pass artillery, including some 3,900 JDAMs. [ 106 ] JDAM munitions were heavily used by the B-1 over Iraq, notably on 7 April 2003 in an unsuccessful undertake to kill Saddam Hussein and his two sons. [ 120 ] During Operation Enduring Freedom, the B-1 was able to raise its deputation adequate to rate to 79 %. [ 88 ] Of the 100 B-1Bs built, 93 remained in 2000 after losses in accidents. In June 2001, the Pentagon sought to place one-third of its then evanesce into memory ; this proposal resulted in several U.S. Air National Guard officers and members of Congress lobbying against the proposal, including the draft of an amendment to prevent such cuts. [ 67 ] The 2001 proposal was intended to allow money to be diverted to further upgrades to the remaining B-1Bs, such as calculator modernization. [ 67 ] In 2003, accompanied by the removal of B-1Bs from the two bomb calorimeter wings in the Air National Guard, the USAF decided to retire 33 aircraft to concentrate its budget on maintaining handiness of remaining B-1Bs. [ 121 ] In 2004, a new appropriation placard called for some of the go to bed aircraft to return to service, [ 122 ] and the USAF returned seven mothballed bombers to service to increase the fleet to 67 aircraft. [ 123 ] Between February 2021 and September 2021 the Air Force retired 17 extra B-1Bs. The Air Force has an inventory of 45 B-1Bs as of 2021. [ 2 ]
On 14 July 2007, the Associated Press reported on the growing USAF presence in Iraq, including reintroduction of B-1Bs as a close-at-hand platform to support Coalition grind forces. [ 124 ] Beginning in 2008, B-1s were used in Iraq and Afghanistan in an “ arm overwatch ” function, loitering for surveillance purposes while ready to deliver guided fail in support of ground troops as required. [ 125 ] [ 126 ] The B-1B undergo a series of trajectory tests using a 50/50 mix of synthetic and petroleum fuel ; on 19 March 2008, a B-1B from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, became the inaugural USAF aircraft to fly at supersonic rush using a man-made fuel during a fledge over Texas and New Mexico. This was conducted as separate of an Air Force examination and documentation program to reduce reliance on traditional oil sources. [ 127 ] On 4 August 2008, a B-1B flew the first Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod equipped fight sortie where the crew successfully targeted foe prime forces and dropped a GBU-38 guided bomb calorimeter in Afghanistan. [ 100 ] In March 2011, B-1Bs from Ellsworth Air Force Base attacked undisclosed targets in Libya as separate of Operation Odyssey Dawn. [ 128 ] With upgrades to keep the B-1 feasible, the Air Force may keep it in serve until approximately 2038. [ 129 ] Despite upgrades, the B-1 has repair and cost problems ; every flight hour needs 48.4 hours of repair. The fuel, repairs, and other needs for a 12-hour mission cost $ 720,000 as of 2010. [ 130 ] The $ 63,000 price per flight hour is, however, less than the $ 72,000 for the B-52 and the $ 135,000 of the B-2. [ 131 ] In June 2010, aged USAF officials met to consider retiring the entire fleet to meet budget cuts. [ 132 ] The Pentagon plans to begin replacing the aircraft with the B-21 Raider after 2025. [ 133 ] In the interim, its “ capabilities are particularly well-suited to the huge distances and unique challenges of the Pacific area, and we ‘ll continue to invest in, and trust on, the B-1 in defend of the focus on the Pacific ” as part of President Obama ‘s “ Pivot to East Asia ”. [ 134 ] In August 2012, the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron returned from a six-month enlistment in Afghanistan. Its 9 B-1Bs flew 770 sorties, the most of any B-1B squadron on a individual deployment. The squadron spent 9,500 hours airborne, keeping one of its bombers in the air travel at all times. They accounted for a stern of all fight aircraft sorties over the state during that time and fulfilled an average of two to three air digest requests per day. [ 135 ] On 4 September 2013, a B-1B participated in a nautical evaluation exercise, deploying munitions such as laser-guided 500 pound GBU-54 bombard, 500 pound and 2,000 pound JDAM, and Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles ( LRASM ). The calculate was to detect and engage several small craft using existing weapons and tactics developed from conventional war against footing targets ; the B-1 is seen as a useful asset for maritime duties such as patrolling ship lanes. [ 136 ] Beginning in 2014, the B-1 was used by the U.S. against the Islamic State ( IS ) in the syrian Civil War. [ 137 ] [ 138 ] From August 2014 to January 2015, the B-1 accounted for eight percentage of USAF sorties during Operation Inherent Resolve. [ 139 ] The 9th Bomb Squadron was deployed to Qatar in July 2014 to support missions in Afghanistan, but when the air travel campaign against IS began on 8 August, the aircraft were employed in Iraq. During the Battle of Kobane in Syria, the squadron ‘s B-1s dropped 660 bombs over 5 months in corroborate of Kurdish forces defending the city. This amounted to one-third of all bombs used during OIR during the period, and they killed some 1,000 ISIL fighters. The 9th Bomb Squadron ‘s B-1s went “ Winchester ” –dropping all weapons on board–31 times during their deployment. They dropped over 2,000 JDAMs during the 6-month rotation. [ 138 ] B-1s from the 28th Bomb Wing flew 490 sorties where they dropped 3,800 munitions on 3,700 targets during a six-month deployment. In February 2016, the B-1s were sent back to the U.S. for cockpit upgrades. [ 140 ]

Air Force Global Strike Command

As depart of a USAF reorganization announced in April 2015, all B-1B aircraft were reassigned from Air Combat Command to Global Strike Command ( GSC ) in October 2015. [ 141 ] On 8 July 2017, the USAF flew two B-1 Lancers near the north korean border in a show of force out amid increasing tensions, particularly in response to North Korea ‘s 4 July quiz of an ICBM adequate to of reaching Alaska. [ 142 ] On 14 April 2018, B-1B bombers launched 19 JASSM missiles as part of the 2018 bombing of Damascus and Homs in Syria. [ 143 ] [ 144 ] [ 145 ] In February 2021, the USAF announced it will retire 17 B-1Bs, which will leave 45 aircraft in service. 4 of the 17 aircraft will be stored in a condition that will allow them to be returned to service if required. [ 146 ] [ 147 ] In March 2021, B-1s deployed to Norway ‘s Ørland Main Air Station for the first gear time. During the deployment, the bombers conducted bombing train with norwegian and swedish ground force Joint terminal attack controllers. One B-1 besides conducted a warm-pit refuel at Bodø Main Air Station, marking the first landing inside Norway ‘s Arctic Circle, and integrated with four Swedish Air Force JAS 39 Gripen fighters. [ 148 ] [ 149 ]

Variants

The rear part showing the B-1A ‘s point radome

B-1A

The B-1A was the original B-1 design with variable engine intakes and Mach 2.2 top speed. Four prototypes were built; no production units were manufactured.[123][150]

B-1B

The B-1B is a revised B-1 design with reduced radar signature and a top speed of Mach 1.25. It is optimized for low-level penetration. A total of 100 B-1Bs were produced.[150]

B-1R

The B-1R was a proposed upgrade of existing B-1B aircraft.[151] The B-1R (R for “regional”) would be fitted with advanced radars, air-to-air missiles, and new Pratt & Whitney F119 engines. This variant would have a top speed of Mach 2.2, but with 20% shorter range.[152] Existing external hardpoints would be modified to allow multiple conventional weapons to be carried, increasing overall loadout. For air-to-air defense, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar would be added and some existing hardpoints modified to carry air-to-air missiles.[151]

Operators

A 28th Bomb Wing B-1B on the ramp in the early dawn at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota A B-1B on public display at Ellsworth AFB, 2003 The USAF had 62 B-1Bs in service as of August 2017. [ 153 ] In August 2019, six of them were in full mission-capable. [ 154 ]

aircraft on display

B-1B at the National Museum of the USAF, Dayton, OH

Accidents and incidents

A B-1B with a brake fire after a hard land at Rhein-Main AB, Germany, June 1994. From 1984 to 2001, ten B-1s were lost due to accidents with 17 crew members or people on board killed. [ 165 ]

Specifications ( B-1B )

B-1B cockpit B-1B ahead turkey bay fitted with a circular catapult Data from USAF Fact Sheet, [ 88 ] Jenkins, [ 167 ] Pace, [ 60 ] Lee [ 82 ] General characteristics

• Crew: 4 (Aircraft Commander, Pilot, Offensive Systems Officer, and Defensive Systems Officer)
• Length: 146 ft (45 m)
• Wingspan: 137 ft (42 m)
• Swept wingspan: 79 ft (24 m) swept
• Height: 34 ft (10 m)
• Wing area: 1,950 sq ft (181 m2)
• Airfoil: NACA69-190-2
• Empty weight: 192,000 lb (87,090 kg)
• Gross weight: 326,000 lb (147,871 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 477,000 lb (216,364 kg)
• Powerplant: 4 × General Electric F101-GE-102 afterburning turbofan engines, 17,390 lbf (77.4 kN) thrust each dry, 30,780 lbf (136.9 kN) with afterburner

Performance

• Maximum speed: 721 kn (830 mph, 1,335 km/h) at 40,000 ft (12,000 m), 608 kn (1,126 km/h) at 200–500 ft (61–152 m)
• Maximum speed: Mach 1.25
• Range: 5,100 nmi (5,900 mi, 9,400 km) with weapon load of 37,000 lb (16,800 kg). Max range is 6,500 nmi (12,000 km).[168]
• Combat range: 2,993 nmi (3,444 mi, 5,543 km)
• Service ceiling: 60,000 ft (18,000 m)
• Rate of climb: 5,678 ft/min (28.84 m/s)
• Wing loading: 167 lb/sq ft (820 kg/m2)
• Thrust/weight: 0.38 at gross weight

Armament

Previously B61 or B83 nuclear bombs could be carried.[174]

• Bombs: 3 internal bomb bays for 75,000 pounds (34,000 kg) of ordnance.[169]

Avionics

Weapons loads

celebrated appearances in media

See besides

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists

Notes

1. ^[1] The name “ Lancer ” was alone applied to the B-1B discrepancy in 1990 .
2. ^[100][170] Use for weapons restricted by arms treaties
3. ^ As per B-1B Weapons Loading Checklist T.O. 1B-1B-33-2-1CL-13
4. ^ both Mk-84 cosmopolitan determination and BLU-109 infiltrate bomb calorimeter
5. ^ As per B-1B Weapons Loading Checklist T.O. 1B-1B-33-2-1CL-12 section 3.4 ( only six each in forth and intermediate bays and three each in the aft bay )
6. ^ 96 if using four-packs, 144 if using 6-packs. This capability has not yet been fielded on the B-1
7. ^[184] Restricted to 12 under SALT II

References

bibliography