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| Rockwell B-1B Lancer |
Militarymedia.net | The Rockwell B-1B Lancer traces its origins to the prototype B-1A strategic bomber of the 1970s. The basic design of the B-1A was revised widely, and resulted in 100 production B-1B Lancers, the first of which flew in production form on 18 October 1984.
The B-1B has variable geometry outer wing panels, multiple levels of stealth and is optimized for low-level and high-speed penetration roles against sophisticated air defense systems with the aid of a comprehensive countermeasures system. The main offensive system is the APQ-164 multi-mode radar, which includes an observable phased array antenna for low-altitude terrain following and accurate navigation.
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| Rockwell B-1B Lancer |
With the end of the Cold War, the B-1B lost its nuclear strike role and was replaced by conventional warfare. The B-1B's ability to carry up to 34020 kg of internal bombs - more than any other bomber - provides additional flexibility for USAF combat operations. At the heart of this change is the Conventional Ammunition Improvement Program (CMUP). Segmented into blocks, it was designed to extend the B-1's lethality, survivability and maintainability as a conventional bomber. Block C is provided for the transport of various cluster bombs (CEM, Gator and SFW); Block D adds GBU-31 Joint Direct-Attack Munitions compatibility, as well as new countermeasures systems (including ALE-50 tow bait) and new communications/navigation systems; Block E, entered service in 2003, adds precision strike capability with WCMD, JSOW and JASSM weapons; Block F will see further improvements in defense capabilities (including ALE-55 decoys) for service from 2003 and completed in 2009.
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| Rockwell B-1B Lancer |
Weapons are carried with preloaded gun-clip-type modules or rotary launchers. The B-1B saw its combat debut in Iraq during Desert Fox on 17 December 1998 but really proved its worth during the Allied Forces in 1999, where British-deployed aircraft dropped around 5,000 Mk 82 bombs. Around 70 Lancers were available for operation at one time. time, spread between the three wings of the USAF Air Combat Command and the two wings of the Air National Guard.
