B-1b

B-1b "Lancer"

United States Air Force(www.af.mil)

Aircraft	B-1b "Lancer"(Rockwell)
Type	supersonic strategic bomber
Year	1985(B-1b)
Engine	Four 136.92kN (30,780 lb. st) General Electric F101-GE-102 afterburning turbofans
Wingspan	(fully swept), 23.84m (78 ft. 2 1/2 in.), (fully spread) 41.67m (136 ft. 8 1/2 in.)
Length	44.81m (147 ft.)
Height	10.36m (34 ft. 10 in.)
Weight	Empty, equipped 87,091kg (192,000 lbs.); MTOW 216,365kg (477,000 lbs.)
Max. speed	1,324km/h (823mph)
Penetration speed at 61m	(200ft.) 965km(600mph)
Crew	4:Pilot, copilot, offensive system officer and defensive systems officer
Armament	B-61/83 free-fall nuclear bombs:up to 34,020kg(75,000lbs.) Mk82 227kg (500lb.) conventional free-fall bombs:up to 34,020kg(75,000lbs.) AGM-69A SRAM-A's:up to 34,020kg(75,000lbs.) AGM-86B ALCM's:up to 34,020kg(75,000lbs.) AGM-86C ALCM's:up to 34,020kg(75,000lbs.) Mk36 227kg (500 lb.) mines(air delivered):up to 34,020kg(75,000lbs.)

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.

The swing-wing design and turbofan engines not only provide greater range and high speed at low levels but they also enhance the bomber's survivability. Wing sweep at the full-forward position allows a short takeoff roll and a fast base-escape profile for airfields under attack. Once airborne, the wings are positioned for maximum cruise distance or high-speed penetration.

The B-1B uses radar and inertial navigation equipment enabling aircrews to globally navigate, update mission profiles and target coordinates in-flight, and precision bomb without the need for ground-based navigation aids. Included in the B-1B offensive avionics are modular electronics that allow maintenance personnel to precisely identify technical difficulties and replace avionics components in a fast, efficient manner on the ground.

The aircraft's AN/ALQ 161A defensive avionics is a comprehensive electronic counter-measures package that detects and counters enemy radar threats. It also has the capability to detect and counter missiles attacking from the rear. It defends the aircraft by applying the appropriate counter-measures, such as electronic jamming or dispensing expendable chaff and flares. Similar to the offensive avionics, the defensive suite has a re-programmable design that allows in-flight changes to be made to counter new or changing threats.

Numerous sustainment and upgrade modifications are ongoing for the B-1B aircraft. A large portion of these modifications which are designed to increase the combat capability are known as the Conventional Mission Upgrade Program. This three-phase program will increase the lethality, survivability and supportabilty of the B-1B fleet. Phase I of the program added the capability to release cluster bomb unit weapons. Phases II and III will further upgrade the B-1B capability, to include the ability to deliver joint direct attack munitions and standoff weapons, and greatly improve its electronic counter-measures capability.

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