NORTH AMERICAN/ROCKWELL
INTERNATIONAL
B-1B LANCER BOMBER
The B-1B is
a long-range strategic bomber, capable of flying intercontinental
missions without refueling, then penetrating present and future
sophisticated enemy defenses. It can perform a variety of missions,
including that of a conventional weapons carrier for theater operations.
The B-1B's
electronic jamming equipment, infra-red 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 or under study for the B-1B
aircraft. Large portions of these modifications that 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 supportability 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.
The first
B-1B was delivered to the Air Force at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas,
in June 1985, with initial operational capability on 1 October 1986.
The final B-1B was delivered 2 May 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.
| Description |
| Manufacturer: |
North
American Aircraft/Rockwell International |
| Designation: |
B-1B
Lancer |
| Type: |
Long-range,
multi-role, heavy bomber |
| Specifications |
| Length: |
146' |
44.5 M |
| Height: |
34' |
10.4 M |
| Wingspan: |
137' (41.8
M)
extended forward |
79' (24.1
M) swept aft |
| Empty Weight: |
190000 lbs |
86183 Kg |
| Take-off Weight
(maximum): |
477000 lbs |
216634 Kg |
| Propulsion |
| No. of Engines: |
4 |
| Powerplant: |
General
Electric F-101-GE-102 turbofan engine with afterburner |
| Thrust: |
30000
pounds each engine with afterburner |
| Performance |
| Range: |
Inter-continental |
Unrefuelled |
| Max Speed: |
900 mph |
Mach 1.2 at
sea level |
| Ceiling: |
More than
30000 Ft |
91444 M |
| Armanents |
| Up
to 84 Mark 82 conventional 500-pound bombs and 30 CBU-87/89/97.
Also can be reconfigured to carry a wide range of nuclear weapons |
Source
information was used with permission from the Department Of The
Air Force
