B-1B
Specifications
| Designation | B-1B |
| Also Known As | Lancer, B-1B-1, B-1B-10 |
| Type | Variable-sweep wing strategic bomber |
| Manufacturer | Rockwell / Boeing |
| Operators | United States |
| Length | 43.2 m |
| Diameter | 5.1 m |
| Weight | 188000 kg |
| Wingspan | 46.8 m |
| Range | 12000 km |
| Speed | Mach 1.25 |
| Max Altitude | 15.2 km |
| Endurance | 10.5 hours |
| Guidance | AN/APQ-164 AESA radar + Sniper targeting pod |
| Warhead | 34 tonnes internal payload — JASSM-ER, LRASM, JDAM, GBU-31, mines |
| Propulsion | 4 x General Electric F101-GE-102 turbofans |
| First Tested | 1984 |
| First Deployed | 1986 |
| Unit Cost | ~$283M (1998 dollars) |
Overview
The B-1B Lancer is a variable-sweep wing strategic bomber used by the US Air Force. It has a 34-tonne internal payload and is capable of carrying 24 JASSM-ER cruise missiles. The B-1B has been involved in several conflicts, including Desert Storm, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.
Development History
The B-1B was developed in the 1970s and 1980s by Rockwell and Boeing. The first B-1B was delivered in 1986. The B-1B has undergone several upgrades, including the installation of the AN/APQ-164 AESA radar and the Sniper targeting pod.
Technical Deep Dive
The B-1B has a variable-sweep wing design, which allows it to fly at low altitudes and high speeds. The aircraft has a 34-tonne internal payload, which can be used to carry a variety of munitions, including JASSM-ER, LRASM, JDAM, GBU-31, and mines. The B-1B is powered by 4 x General Electric F101-GE-102 turbofans.
Combat Record
Tactical Role
The B-1B is used as a conventional heavy bomber and is capable of carrying a variety of munitions. It has been used in several conflicts, including Desert Storm, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Variants
| Variant | Differences | Status |
|---|---|---|
| B-1B-1 | The B-1B-1 is the original variant of the B-1B and has a number of differences from the B-1B-10, including a different radar system and a reduced payload capacity. | Retired |
| B-1B-10 | The B-1B-10 is the current variant of the B-1B and has a number of differences from the B-1B-1, including a new radar system and an increased payload capacity. | Operational |
Countermeasures
The B-1B has a number of countermeasures to evade enemy defenses, including its variable-sweep wings and high level of survivability. It also has a range of electronic countermeasures to disrupt enemy radar systems.
Analysis
Conflict Impact
The B-1B has had a significant impact on the Iran conflict, providing a conventional heavy bomber capability and a range of munitions. Its variable-sweep wings and high level of survivability make it a difficult target for enemy defenses.
Future Outlook
The B-1B is being retired as the B-21 Raider enters service. The B-21 Raider is a more advanced aircraft with a number of improvements over the B-1B, including a stealthy design and a reduced operating cost.
Analyst Assessment
The B-1B is a highly capable aircraft with a number of strengths, including its variable-sweep wings and high level of survivability. However, it has a number of weaknesses, including its non-stealthy design and high operating cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the B-1B Lancer?
The B-1B Lancer is a variable-sweep wing strategic bomber used by the US Air Force. It has a 34-tonne internal payload and is capable of carrying 24 JASSM-ER cruise missiles.
What is the range of the B-1B Lancer?
The B-1B Lancer has a range of 12,000 km, which allows it to operate over long distances and provides a significant advantage in combat.
What is the payload capacity of the B-1B Lancer?
The B-1B Lancer has a 34-tonne internal payload, which is the largest of any aircraft. It is capable of carrying 24 JASSM-ER cruise missiles, providing a massive standoff strike capability.
What is the status of the B-1B Lancer?
The B-1B Lancer is being retired as the B-21 Raider enters service. The B-21 Raider is a more advanced aircraft with a number of improvements over the B-1B, including a stealthy design and a reduced operating cost.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the B-1B Lancer?
The B-1B Lancer has a number of strengths, including its variable-sweep wings and high level of survivability. However, it has a number of weaknesses, including its non-stealthy design and high operating cost.