The B-1B Lancer

The B-1B bomber is another very strategic bomber. It is capable of supersonic speeds. Its unique trait is that it has swing-wings. It can carry a lot of weapons but for only a short distance. It can also carry nuclear weapons and cruise missiles.

SPECIFICATIONS (LOAD OUT RESTRICTIONS)

Type: Four-Crew strategic bomber

Power plant: Four 29,964-lb.-thrust General Electric F101-GE-102 turbofans

Maximum operational speed: Mach 0.99 or 748 m.p.h., although the aircraft can reach Mach 1.2.

Range: 7,239 mi.

Ceiling: Above 49,200 ft.

Weapons: Eight cruise missiles or 12 B28 nuclear bombs, or 24 B61/B83 nuclear bombs; theoretical maximum conventional weapons load of 133,720 lb.

Weights: Empty 191,598 lb; loaded 476,010 lb.

Dimensions:    Span (unswept)    137 ft.

Span (swept)    78 ft.

Lenght    157 ft.

Height    34 ft.

Wing area    1,949 sq. ft.

Conventional Weapons Load

Although the B-1B can carry up to 60 tons of conventional weaponry in its three bomb bays and on 12 underwing weapons stations, operationally it will probably be limited to 85 Mk 82 500-lb. general-purpose bombs or 20 AGM-86C conventionally-armed air-launched cruise missiles. As the B-52 force retires, Lancers will acquire the ability to deliver a variety of precision-guided munitions as well as Harpoon anti-ship missiles.