Mission
The B-1B is a long-range strategic bomber, capable of flying intercontinental
missions without refueling, then penetrating sophisticated enemy defenses. It
can perform a variety of missions, including that of a conventional weapons
carrier for theater operations.
Features
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.
Radar and inertial navigation equipment on the B-1B enables 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 defensive avionics is a comprehensive electronic countermeasures 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 countermeasures, such as electronic jamming from the ALE-50 towed decoys, or dispensing expendable chaff and flares. Similar to the offensive avionics, the defensive suite has a reprogrammable 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. Large portions of these modifications are known as the conventional mission upgrade program and are designed to increase combat capability. This program, with its four blocks, will increase the lethality, survivability and supportability of the B-1B fleet.
B-1B
Conventional Mission Upgrade Program (CMUP)
This four-block project will enhance the airplane's effectiveness as a
conventional weapons carrier.
In 1995, Boeing completed handware and software enhancements to accommodate a range of conventional gravity weapons such as cluster bomb units.
Boeing developed the hardware and software necessary to integrate the Global Positioning System, or GPS, and the Joint Direct Attack Munition, or JDAM, capabilities into the aircraft's offensive avionics system. In addition, Boeing is developing a common weapon interface unit to provide the connection between the avionics system and MIL-STD 1760 weapons. (MIL-STD 1760 provides a common electrical and digital interface between the weapons and the aircraft.) Boeing also incorporated an improved anti-jam radio.
Boeing and the U.S. Air Force have developed and are preparing to flight test a replacement of the onboard computer system. The current system, while highly reliable and capable of supporting the aircraft's mission, is a product of the original B-1A's development and lacks the capability to support new, complex conventional systems. This upgrade will enable the aircraft to carry and release multiple types of weapons on one mission and will support improvements to the B-1B's electronic countermeasures system.
Boeing is on contract to replace the B-1B's AN/ALQ-161A onboard electronic countermeasures with ALE-55 Integrated Defensive Electronic Counter Measures, or IDECM. The new system employs a fiber-optic towed decoy to defeat modern threats.
Background
The first operational B-1B was delivered to the Air Force at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, in June 1985, with initial operational capability on Oct. 1, 1986. The final B-1B was delivered in May 1988.
The B-1B holds 61 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.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Long-range, multi-role, heavy bomber
Builder: Rockwell International, North American Aircraft (now The Boeing
Company)
Operations Air Frame and Integration: Offensive avionics, Boeing;
defensive avionics, AIL Division, Eaton Corporation
Power Plant: Four General Electric F-101-GE-102 turbofan engines with
afterburner
Thrust: 30,000-plus pounds with afterburner, per engine
Length: 146 feet (44.5 meters)
Wingspan: 137 feet (41.8 meters) extended forward, 79 feet (24.1 meters)
swept aft
Height: 34 feet (10.4 meters)
Weight: Empty, approximately 190,000 pounds (86,183 kilograms)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 477,000 pounds ((216,634 kilograms)
Speed: 900-plus mph (Mach 1.2 at sea level)
Range: Intercontinental, unrefueled
Ceiling: More than 30,000 feet (9,144 meters)
Crew: Four (aircraft commander, pilot, offensive systems officer and
defensive systems officer)
Armament: Up to 84 Mark 82 conventional 500-pound bombs, or 30
CBU-87/89/97, or 24 JDAMS. Also can be reconfigured to carry a wide range of
nuclear weapons.
Date Deployed: June 1985
Unit Cost: $200-plus million per aircraft
Inventory: Active force, 51 primary mission aircraft inventory, 71
(actual), 2 (test); ANG, 18 PAA (20 actual); Reserve, 0