Rockwell B-1A
Summary
| Category | Bomber |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| First flight | 23 December 1974 |
| Year of introduction | 1986 |
| Number produced | 104 units |
| Average unit price | $250 million |
Description
The Rockwell B-1 is an American strategic bomber aircraft. Its development began in the 1960s in response to the cancellation of the North American B-70 Valkyrie bomber project. At that time, strategic missiles seemed to be the future of aerial warfare, relegating bombers to a secondary role. However, the US Air Force commissioned studies to explore the potential roles of bombers in its future plans.
The B-1A project was launched in April 1969, with the intention of replacing the in-service B-52 bombers. Initial plans called for the production of 240 aircraft with an initial operational capability scheduled for 1979. The B-1A's fuselage was designed to reduce its radar visibility, and it featured a variable-geometry wing to improve its performance at different flight speeds. It was powered by four General Electric F101-100 afterburning turbofan engines.
The B-1A could carry approximately 68 tons of fuel, and its armament was housed in internal bays. It was equipped with complex avionics, including inertial navigation systems, a Doppler radar, an infrared vision system, and advanced electronic countermeasures. The crew consisted of four members, and in case of emergency, an ejection capsule could be used to safely evacuate the crew.
The first test flights of the B-1A began in December 1974. The testing program progressed relatively well, but modifications were made throughout this phase. In December 1976, the US Air Force decided to proceed with the production of the B-1A, but the program cost increased and avionics issues arose. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter canceled the production of the B-1A due to these problems and the preference given to ballistic missiles and stealth fighters.
Despite the cancellation of the production program, flight tests of the existing B-1A aircraft were allowed to continue. Efforts focused on avionics and defensive systems, as well as reducing the aircraft's radar visibility. Some tests were conducted successfully, but the B-1A never entered active service.
Ultimately, the B-1A program was abandoned, but it laid the groundwork for the development of the B-1B Lancer bomber, which entered service in 1986. The B-1B is an improved version of the B-1A, with enhanced low-altitude flying capabilities and advanced avionics. It became a pillar of the US nuclear deterrent force and has been used in conventional bombing missions.
Technical specifications
| Version: B-1A | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 4 members |
| Operational range | 9800 km (6089 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 2124 km/h (1320 mph) |
| Wing area | 594 m² (6393.8 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 41.7 m (136.7 ft) |
| Height | 10.4 m (34.1 ft) |
| Length | 52 m (170.6 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 18900 m (62008 ft) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 179169 kg (395000 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 4 × turbojets General Electric F101-GE-100 delivering 7700 kgp, up to 13600 kgp with afterburner |
Current operating countries
No country is operating the B-1A in 2024.
All operators
Photo of B-1A
