Rockwell B-1 Lancer

Long-Range Strategic Heavy Bomber Aircraft [ 1986 ]

The Rockwell B-1 Lancer strategic bomber evolved from becoming a cancelled product to a nuclear bomber to a conventional bomber during its time aloft.

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Military aircraft seldom take an uneventful road to full operational service and such was the case with the storied Rockwell B-1 "Lancer" heavy bomber of the United States Air Force (USAF). The Lancer was developed as a nuclear-capable, high-speed bomber to replace the venerable Boeing B-52 "Stratofortress" heavy bombers in service with the USAF since 1955. The Mach 3-capable North American XB-70 Valkyrie was originally set to become the primary heavy bomber of the USAF and Strategic Air Command (SAC) - as well as serving as the B-52's original replacement - but the global political climate, advancing technologies, and an unfortunate accident ultimately led to the product's cancellation. Key forces behind the demise of the XB-70 were advances in Soviet air defenses (in both radar and missile technologies as well as manned interceptors like the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 "Foxbat") and the growing U.S. focus on ICBMs and cruise missiles as a first-strike, radar-evading, low cost alternative to a manned bomber approach. Beyond the B-52 for the high-altitude bombing role, USAF SAC held only the "swing wing" General Dynamics F-111 "Aardvark" in its stable and this was used primarily in the low-level strike role. The B-52 was a subsonic "heavy" while the F-111 operated as a supersonic system with a much more limited bomb load.

The New Bomber Requirement

With the end of the XB-70 venture, the USAF continued with design studies for a new generation bomber throughout the 1960s, first under the Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft (AMSA) program for it was deemed that manned bombers still carried better accuracy than missiles of the day. A myriad of forms and types were bandied about - delta wing planforms, swing-wing options, subsonic penetrators - and all were to integrate the latest in radar-evading technology where possible - a far cry from the design lines and brute function of the massive B-52.

The period of studies spanned from the early 1960s into the latter part of the decade to which certain qualities of the new bomber began to emerge: a crew of four for the expected mission load, variable sweep wings for high-speed dashing at low altitude, a large airframe for the needed mix of fuel and weapons (to be held internally), and Mach 2 (minimum) performance. The aircraft would also be required to take off and land in short order and carry with it a high degree of crew/aircraft survivability. Its payload would consist of nuclear ordnance / stand-off missiles to fulfill one-third of the "Nuclear Triad" doctrine employed by the Americans - nuclear missiles launched from the air, land or sea. In this way, one corner of the triangle could back the other as a fail-safe in the aftermath of a first-strike by the Soviets.

A four-year study began in 1965 to fulfill the need and several principle names in the American defense industry responded - North American, Boeing, and General Dynamics. In March of 1967, North American merged with Rockwell International to become North American Rockwell.

North American Rockwell Wins Out

With the close of the formal design study period in November of 1969, the USAF moved on an official Request For Proposal (RFP) with Boeing, General Dynamics, and North American Rockwell all delivering their best submissions. For North American, this became the D481-55B. After review, North American Rockwell was selected the winner of the competition on June 5th, 1970. The aircraft was to carry the designation of "B-1A" and the contract covered seven total airframes - five flyable and the remaining two to be used as static testbeds. To go along with the new aircraft was an all-new engine initiative and this fell to military/civilian engine stalwart General Electric for their F101-GE-100 of 30,000 lb thrust output with afterburner capability.

Interim Measures

It would take some time to get the B-1A into USAF pilot hands so, as an interim measure, the General Dynamics F-111 was modified for the strategic bomber role and the Boeing B-52 itself revised to also fulfill a low-level penetrator function. The would help to bring SAC capability up to par for the growing threat posed by Soviet air defenses and its interceptors - a network that already showed its capabilities with the downing of Gary Powers' U-2 in 1960. With the measures in place, the B-1A was allowed to advance under its own timeline.

B-1 Bomber Walk-Around

The finalized B-1A form became a slender aircraft given a streamlined fuselage, blended wing roots, underslung engine pairs, and a single vertical tail fin. The long nose cone housed radar while the cockpit included seating for the four crew in a side-by-side arrangement - the pilots in front and the offensive/defensive systems specialists aft. A whole-crew escape capsule was the primary means of survival as opposed to individual ejection seats. The swing wing approach was adopted for the needed runway, low / high altitude performance phases of the aircraft's operation. These structures rested at a 15-degree angle and became swept at a 67.5-degree angle when needed. Four engines gave the airframe a Mach 2+ maximum speed. The construction makeup of the aircraft was a mix of aluminum alloys, steel, titanium, composites, fiberglass, and polymide quartz (over 41% of the aircraft was aluminum). In-flight refueling was made possible through a port over the nose just ahead of the front windscreen.

Testing

USAF representatives reviewed their new bomber in a little over a year from when the contract was granted. Despite the hundreds of changes requested, the aircraft was a sound, promising venture and a far cry from the bombers of the 1950s and 1960s. The initial B-1A was unveiled to the public in October of 1974 and a first flight followed on December 23rd, 1974. A period of heavy flight testing followed that showcased a product fulfilling nearly all of the USAF requirements for their new bomber.

Due to the shifting political landscape of the United States in the late 1970s, the B-1A initiative was cancelled in favor of further development on ICBMs and cruise missiles. This left just three completed B-1A aircraft. The cancellation of the B-1A and its GE engine came on June 30th, 1977 with the inbound Carter Administration though the product was able to exist in limited development for possible future value. The 1978 defense spending budget allotted funding for a fourth B-1A.

The B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber

As the B-1A program wound down, Northrop Grumman was working on the USAF's new "Advanced Technology Bomber" (ATB) - a true stealth initiative that was to serve as a replacement to the B-52 and as successor to the B-1A. This platform was to become a much more advanced product than the B-1A but with such advances came heavier costs - of the 132 originally envisioned, just 21 would be actually procured. Also, the B-2 would not come online (in strength) until 1987 which left a noticeable gap between its arrival and outgoing B-52 Stratofortresses. This forced the USAF to consider modified versions of either its F-111 or B-1A stock for the interim - the availability of these airframes allowing for express conversions to a new bomber standard.©MilitaryFactory.com

Interim Measures, Again

Of the two, the B-1A was selected in October of 1981 and this ultimately begat the B-1B variant - testing would be completed on two of the existing B-1A airframes. The B-1B program officially began on March 23rd, 1983. A crash of one of the aircraft in August of 1984 delayed progress some - the crew capsule ejection system working as designed but the crash still resulting in the death of test pilot Doug Benefield and injuries to two of the three surviving crew. Flight testing was concluded in October of 1985.

By this time, serial production of the B-1B had already commenced (back in 1984) and this continued into 1988 with 100 aircraft delivered to the USAF. Initial Operating Capability (IOC) of the mark occurred in 1986. 1987 marked the first lost of a B-1B when the low-flying aircraft hit a bird - in addition to the four crewmembers aboard were two observers in non-ejecting seats. Three of the six crew (two observers and one standard crewman) died when one of the four ejection seats failed to launch.

The B-1B Over the B-1A

Compared to the B-1A, the B-1B carried all-new flight controls, improved avionics, upgraded Electronic CounterMeasures (ECMs), fixed air inlets (replacing variable types, this reducing maximum speed to Mach 1.25), individual ejection seats (replacing the ejection capsule approach), increased Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW), and RAM (Radar-Absorbent Material) for some base stealth capability. The internal weapon bays (three) were configurable for a variety of munition types including precision ("smart") bombs and cruise missiles as well as non-combat components like extra fuel stores. A non-nuclear bomb-carrying function was eventually integrated following the demise of the Soviet Union and the thawing of East-West relations. B-1Bs were taken off their nuclear duty role in 1991 making the aircraft a full-fledged conventional bomber in the USAF inventory and no longer restricted to just the low-level penetrator/strike role.

Not a Stealth Bomber

The B-1B is not a stealth aircraft as the Lockheed F-117 "Nighthawk" or the Northrop B-2 despite its use of a slim profile and RAM coating. It still relies on low-level flight and speed to bypass or outrun enemy defenses. To help the aircraft in this role, it is equipped with Terrain Following and Terrain Avoidance radar modes for use over land or water. This lets the aircraft "hug" the terrain below while promoting itself as a more difficult target to track/engage. No one Lancer has been shot down as an enemy target in war - recorded losses attributed to accidents and general operational attrition than anything else. The B-1B also holds excellent endurance thanks to the shared cockpit workload and in-flight refueling. It is also the recipient of aviation records including time-to-climb records across three different weight categories.

The North American to Rockwell to Boeing Brand Evolution

The B-1 bomber product was born under the North American Aviation brand label before the merger with Rockwell. From this joining spawned Rockwell International, the brand label most commonly associated with the B-1 Lancer until 2001 when the product fell under Boeing ownership. As such, the B-1B Lancer today is recognized as a Boeing product - a common result of the many mergers seen in the latter decades of the Cold War.

The Current B-1B Stock and Its Future

The USAF did not purchase more than the stated 100 B-1B bombers since the aircraft's introduction. Sixty-two of this stock remain in service as of 2014 and are expected to fulfill their roles into the 2040s. The B-1 never replaced the B-52 and has served alongside it, as well as alongside the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, simply due to the USAF need. Amazingly, the service life of the B-52 is expected to reach into 2040.

Since its inception in 1986, the B-1B has proven an effective warplane but also an expensive and complex one. Its technology-laden design means it is an inherently costly platform and, thus, a regular contender for retirement which each passing budget year. The B-52 has required less over the long run to keep that aged fleet airborne for longer and is another proven battlefield performer - though lacking any stealth capabilities in its design.

The B-1B has been upgraded along several lines to keep it a viable aerial weapons delivery platform for the foreseeable future. Its radar system was upgraded through the Radar Reliability and Maintainability Improvement Program (RRMIP) as reliability of these units became a recurring sticking point in service due to age. The navigation suite was also upgraded as were battlefield situational awareness systems. The cockpit will see a revision to include color Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) added as well as instrumentation upgrades. Work is expected to be completed by 2020.

The B-1R "Regional"

A proposed B-1 upgraded variant is the B-1R ("Regional"). The line would receive air-to-air missile capability on additional external hardpoints, new Pratt & Whitney F119 series turbofan engines, modern radar (including AESA), and increased speed to Mach 2.2 though with reduced range.

Combat History

The B-1B has seen combat action over Iraq (Operation Desert Fox, 1998), Kosovo (1999), Afghanistan (2001), and Iraq (2003). It missed out on Operation Desert Storm (1991) for its conventional bombing functionality has not been added by then and engine issues further kept the aircraft from participating. For the offensive against Saddam Hussein's vaunted forces, the B-52 took the place of the B-1B in the conventional bombing role.

Throughout its operational tenure, the B-1 has served with Strategic Air Command, Air Combat Command, the Air National Guard, and with the Air Force Flight Test Center. Two B-1A bombers were claimed as museum showpieces while some eight B-1B series aircraft have also been saved from the scrap heap in the same way. Though stripped of its nuclear-carrying and delivery capability, the remaining B-1Bs in service can very well be retrofitted for the nuclear role once more if needed.

The B-1 is affectionately known as "Bone" for its designation - "B-One".©MilitaryFactory.com

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February 2016 - Lancers have been called to the fight against ISIS forces in Syria and Iraq. In February 2016 it was announced that the large bombers were being recalled for the interim in an effort to outfit them with more advanced cockpits. Its six-month deployment in the war consisted of 490 sorties in which some 3,700 targets were bombed with upwards of 3,800 munitions according to the USAF. It is expected that the B-1s will return to the war zone once the work is completed.

August 2017 - On August 17th, 2017, a B-1B Lancer bomber successfully test-fired a production-quality version of the new Lockheed AGM-158C long-range anti-ship missile. The missile series is set to be introduced in 2018 across several of the U.S. military aircraft platforms including the Lancer line.

February 2018 - The Rockwell B-1B is set to be replaced by the in-development B-21 stealth bomber by Northrop Grumman.

May 2018 - The USAF B-1B Lancer fleet has been grounded pending the review of an emergency landing incident at Midland International Air and Space Port (Texas) on May 1st, 2018. The incident involved an escape hatch being blown off and a failure of the ejection seat to launch. None of the Lancer crew was hurt and the aircraft landed safely.

April 2019 - After a month of grounding by the USAF, the B-1B fleet has been returned to active service.

September 2019 - USAF authorities have showcased a new weapons bay modification for the B-1B designed to increased overall payload by as much as 3/4th. There is also mentioned support for hypersonic weapons. Not only would this upgrade extend the tactical and strategic usefulness of the bomber, it would also extend its operational service life.

December 2020 - B-1B bombers are set to receive an all-new weapons pylon supporting new-generation of hypersonic weapons.

December 2020 - A B-1B bomber has demonstrated the dropping of an externally-mounted Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM).

February 2021 - The United States Air Force has begun formal retirement of some of its B-1B bomber fleet in preparation for the arrival of the B-21 "Raider" currently in development (detailed elsewhere on this site). Seventeen B-1Bs are expected to be retired in this initial phase under a Congressional directive.

Specifications

North American / Rockwell International / Boeing - USA
Manufacturer(s)

United States
Operators

1986
Service Year

United States
National Origin

Active
Project Status

4
Crew

104
Units

GROUND ATTACK
Ability to conduct aerial bombing of ground targets by way of (but not limited to) guns, bombs, missiles, rockets, and the like.

RADAR-CAPABLE
Houses, or can house (through specialized variants), radar equipment for searching, tracking, and engagement of enemy elements.

COUNTERMEASURES
Survivability enhanced by way of onboard electronic or physical countermeasures enacted by the aircraft or pilot/crew.

MULTI-ENGINE
Incorporates two or more engines, enhancing survivability and / or performance.

WING SWEEPBACK
Mainplanes, or leading edges, features swept-back lines for enhanced high-speed performance and handling.

SWING-WING
Mainplanes have an inherent ability to adjust their sweep angle to better coincide with the various phases of flight.

INTERNAL BAY
Fuselage volume includes space for internally-held weapons or special-mission equipment.

HIGH-SPEED PERFORMANCE
Can accelerate to higher speeds than average aircraft of its time.

HIGH-ALTITUDE PERFORMANCE
Can reach and operate at higher altitudes than average aircraft of its time.

EXTENDED RANGE PERFORMANCE
Capability to travel considerable distances through onboard fuel stores.

SUPER PERFORMANCE
Design covers the three all-important performance categories of speed, altitude, and range.

A2A REFUELING
Capability to accept fuel from awaiting allied aircraft while in flight.

MARITIME OPERATION
Ability to operate over ocean in addition to surviving the special rigors of the maritime environment.

PILOT / CREW EJECTION SYSTEM
Assisted process of allowing its pilot and / or crew to eject in the event of an airborne emergency.

CREWSPACE PRESSURIZATION
Supports pressurization required at higher operating altitudes for crew survival.

CREW-MANAGED
Beyond a pilot, the aircraft takes advantage of additional crew specialized in specific functions aboard the aircraft.

ENCLOSED CREWSPACE(S)
Features partially- or wholly-enclosed crew workspaces.

RETRACTABLE UNDERCARRIAGE
Features retracting / retractable undercarriage to preserve aerodynamic efficiency.

MINE DISPENSING
Ability to launch or dispense naval mines as a deterrence measure.

146.0 ft
(44.50 meters)
Length

137.1 ft
(41.80 meters)
Width/Span

34.1 ft
(10.40 meters)
Height

192,023 lb
(87,100 kilograms)
Empty Weight

477,080 lb
(216,400 kilograms)
Maximum Take-Off Weight

+285,058 lb
(+129,300 kg)
Weight Difference

monoplane / low-mounted / variable sweep
Mainplane Arrangement

Monoplane
Design utilizes a single primary wing mainplane; this represents the most popular modern mainplane arrangement.

Low-Mounted
Mainplanes are low-mounted along the sides of the fuselage.

Variable-Sweep (Swing-Wing)
The mainplanes rely on a mechanical component which allows the members to be swept at various angles during different phases of flight, typically improving economy and performance.

4 x General Electric F-101-GE-102 afterburning turbofan engines developing 30,780 lb of thrust each.
Propulsion

833 mph
(1,340 kph | 724 knots)
Max Speed

684 mph
(1,100 kph | 594 knots)
Cruise Speed

+149 mph
(+240 kph | 130 knots)
Speed Difference

59,055 ft
(18,000 m | 11 miles)
Ceiling

7,456 miles
(12,000 km | 6,479 nm)
Range

MACH Regime (Sonic)

Sub

Trans

Super

Hyper

HiHyper

ReEntry

♦

Up to 59,000 lb of ordnance across six external hardpoints and 75,000 lb in three internal bomb bays. Munitions load can include the following:

24 x GBU-31 GPS-Aided JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition).
24 x BLU-109 penetrating bombs.
24 x Mk-84 2,000-pound general purpose bombs.
8 x Mk-85 naval mines.
84 x Mk-82 500-pound general purpose bombs.
84 x Mk-62 500-pound naval mines.
30 x CBU-87 cluster munitions.
30 x CBU-89 cluster munitions.
30 x CBU-97 cluster munitions.
30 x CBU-103 WCMD.
30 x CBU-104 WCMD
30 x CBU-105 WCMD
24 x AGM-69A SRAM-A Short Range Attack Missiles.
24 x AGM-158 JASSM.
12 x AGM-154 JSOW.
12 x B-28 freefall nuclear bombs.
12 x B-43 freefall nuclear bombs.
24 x B-61 freefall thermonuclear bombs.
24 x B-83 freefall thermonuclear bombs.
28 x B-93 freefall nuclear bombs.
8 x AGM-86B ALCM (internal on rotary launcher).
12 x ALCM (external underwing launchers).

6
Hardpoints

B-1A - Initial Model Designation of which four produced; primarily used in testing; Mach 2+ capable speed; variable air inlets; crew escape capsule ejection system.

B-1B - Definitive Production Model; improved B-1; RAM coating, individual ejection seats, improved avionics, weapons bay/fuel tanks, fixed air inlets, increased MTOW, and reduced Mach speed; 100 examples.

B-1R ("Regional") - Proposed modernization of B-1B; AESA, external hardpoints for AAMs; Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines; improved radar capability; Mach 2+ speed with reduced operational ranges.

General Assessment

Firepower

Performance

Survivability

Versatility

Impact

Values are derrived from a variety of categories related to the design, overall function, and historical influence of this aircraft in aviation history.

Overall Rating

The overall rating takes into account over 60 individual factors related to this aircraft entry.

96

Rating is out of a possible 100 points.

Firepower Index (BETA)

Inherent combat value taking into account weapons support / versatility, available hardpoints, and total carrying capability.

335.7

View the List

Relative Maximum Speed

Hi: 1000mph

Lo: 500mph

This entry's maximum listed speed (833mph).

Graph average of 750 miles-per-hour.

City-to-City Ranges

NYC

LON

PAR

BER

MOS

TOK

SYD

LAX

NYC

Operational range when compared to distances between major cities (in KM).

Max Altitude Visualization

Design Balance

The three qualities reflected above are altitude, speed, and range.

Aviation Era Span

Showcasing era cross-over of this aircraft design.

Unit Production (104)

104

36183

44000

Compared against Ilyushin IL-2 (military) and Cessna 172 (civilian).

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