B-1B Lancer
USAF Photo
by SSgt. Mark Borosch
Mission
The
B-1 is the backbone of America's long-range bomber force
providing massive and rapid delivery of precision and
non-precision weapons against any potential adversary anywhere
around the globe on short notice.
Features
The
B-1B's blended wing/body configuration, along with
variable-geometry design and turbofan engines, combine to
provide greater range and high speed with enhanced
survivability. Forward wing settings are used for takeoff,
landings and high-altitude maximum cruise. Aft wing settings are
used in high subsonic and supersonic flight, enhancing the
B-1B's maneuverability. The B-1B's speed, superior handling
characteristics, and large payload make it a key element of any
joint/composite strike force.
The
B-1B's offensive avionics include the forward-looking offensive
radar set employing synthetic aperture radar, ground moving
target indicator and terrain-following radar modes, an extremely
accurate Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System,
the avionics control unit complex, a Doppler radar, and a radar
altimeter. These features enable aircrews to globally navigate,
accurately refine aircraft position without the need for
ground-based navigation aids, update mission information and
target coordinates in-flight, and perform precision bombing.
The
B-1B's electronic jamming equipment, infrared countermeasures,
radar location and warning systems complement its low-radar
cross-section and form an integrated defense system for the
aircraft that supports penetration of hostile airspace. The
current defensive avionics system consist of the ALQ-161A radio
frequency surveillance/electronic countermeasures system, the
tail warning function, and the expendable countermeasures
system, and is supplemented by the ALE-50 Towed Decoy System.
The
defensive avionics system is a comprehensive electronic
countermeasures package that detects enemy threats and applies
the appropriate countermeasures, such as electronic jamming or
dispensing expendable chaff and flares to protect against
radar-homing and heat-seeking missiles. The TDS complements the
system by providing greater protection against RF threats.
Low-radar cross-section is provided by the combination of
aircraft structure and radar-absorption materials that reduce
the aircraft's radar signature to approximately 1 percent that
of the B-52. Similar to the offensive avionics, the defensive
suite has a reprogrammable design that allows in-flight changes
to be made to counter new or changing threats.
The
ongoing Conventional Mission Upgrade Program is significantly
enhancing the B-1B's capability. This gives the B-1B greater
lethality and survivability through the integration of precision
and standoff weapons and a robust electronic countermeasures
suite. The upgrade program includes GPS receivers, a weapons
interface which enables the use of the joint direct attack
munition and other weapons, secure radios, and improved
computers to support new precision and near-precision weapons
such as the wind-corrected munitions dispenser, the joint
standoff weapon, the joint air-to-surface standoff missile.
These
improvements help lay the foundation for future precision
miniature munitions, such as Small Diameter Bomb. The defensive
system upgrade will greatly improve aircrew situational
awareness and its electronic countermeasures capability. Through
the replacement of the current ALQ-161 with the ALQ-214
Integrated Defensive Electronic Counter-Measures, and ALE-55
Fiber Optic Towed Decoy, the B-1 will be able to detect and
defeat lethal threats well beyond the 2010 timeframe.
Background
The
B-1A model of the new long-range multi-role bomber never went
into production. USAF acquired four prototype flight test models
in the 1970s, but the program was canceled in 1977. Flight test
of the four B-1A models continued through 1981.
The
B-1B is the improved variant initiated by the Reagan
administration in 1981. The first production model flew in
October 1984, and the first B-1B was delivered to Dyess Air
Force Base, Texas, in June 1985, with initial operational
capability on Oct. 1, 1986. The final B-1B was delivered May 2,
1988.
The
B-1B holds several world records for speed, payload and
distance. The National Aeronautic Association recognized the
B-1B for completing one of the 10 most memorable record flights
for 1994.
The
B-1B was first used in combat in support of operations against
Iraq during Operation Desert Fox in December 1998. B-1s have
been subsequently used in Operation Allied Force.
General
Characteristics
Primary
Function: Long-range, multi-role, heavy bomber
Builder: Boeing, North America (formerly Rockwell
International, North American Aircraft)
Operations Air Frame and Integration: Offensive avionics,
Boeing Military Airplane; defensive avionics, AIL Division
Power plant: Four General Electric F-101-GE-102 turbofan
engine with afterburner
Thrust: 30,000-plus pounds with afterburner, per engine
Length: 146 feet (44.5 meters)
Wingspan: 137 feet (41.8 meters) extended forward, 79
feet (24.1 meters) swept aft
Height: 34 feet (10.4 meters)
Weight: Empty, approximately 190,000 pounds (86,183
kilograms)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 477,000 pounds (216,634
kilograms)
Speed: 900-plus mph (Mach 1.2 at sea level)
Range: Intercontinental, unrefueled
Ceiling: More than 30,000 feet (9,144 meters)
Crew: Four (aircraft commander, copilot, offensive
systems officer and defensive systems officer)
Armament: Three internal weapons bays can accommodate up
to 84 Mk-82 general purpose bombs or Mk-62 naval mines, 30
CBU-87/89 cluster munitions or CBU-97 Sensor Fused Weapons and
up to 24 GBU-31 JDAM GPS guided bombs or Mk-84 general purpose
bombs
Date Deployed: June 1985
Unit Cost: $283.1 million (fiscal 98 constant dollars)
Inventory: Active force, 72; ANG, 18; Reserve, 0 |
