Rockwell B-1B Lancer

The supersonic bomber built for long-range conventional strike.

Overview

Rockwell United States ICAO: B1 1983–1988 Active $283 million (1998)

The Rockwell B-1B Lancer is a variable-sweep wing strategic bomber developed for the United States Air Force. Originally conceived during the Cold War, it evolved into a platform optimized for conventional strike missions. The aircraft combines high payload capacity with intercontinental range.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × General Electric F101-GE-102
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
4 × 30,780 lbf · 137 kN
Avionics
AN/APQ-164, AN/ALQ-161, AN/ASQ-184
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
4
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
147 ft 0 in  ·  44.80 m
Tail height
34 ft 1 in  ·  10.40 m
Fuselage diameter
8 ft 6 in  ·  2.60 m
Wing span
137 ft 2 in  ·  41.80 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
477,500 lb  ·  216,500 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
75,000 lb  ·  34,000 kg
Fuel capacity
39,600 gal · 149,900 L · 119,900 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
825 kt  ·  949 mph  ·  1,528 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
250 kt  ·  288 mph  ·  463 km/h
Range
6,485 nm  ·  7,460 mi  ·  12,010 km
Fuel burn
0.16 nm/gal  ·  0.08 km/L
Ceiling
60,000 ft  ·  18,300 m
Rate of climb
6,000 ft/min  ·  30 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,970 ft  ·  600 m
Landing distance
1,380 ft  ·  420 m
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Rockwell B-1B Lancer.

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Operational Context

Rockwell B-1B Lancer — supersonic strategic bomber

The B-1 program began in the 1970s, with the B-1B variant entering service in 1986 after redesign and modernization. The aircraft features variable-sweep wings that allow efficient high-speed dash and improved low-level penetration performance. Structural changes reduced radar signature compared with the earlier B-1A prototype.

Powered by four General Electric F101 turbofan engines producing approximately 30,000 pounds of thrust (133 kN) each with afterburner, the B-1B can exceed Mach 1.2. Maximum takeoff weight is about 477,000 pounds (216,400 kg). The aircraft carries a large internal payload of conventional munitions.

Following the end of the Cold War, the B-1B transitioned from nuclear to primarily conventional missions. It has been employed extensively in long-range strike roles. The Lancer remains one of the largest and fastest bombers in operational service.

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