B-1B LANCER

The B-1B Lancer is an American long-range strategic bomber with a semi-shell structure with variable wing geometry developed by Rockwell International (now Boeing). Together with the B-52 and B-2 planes, it is the basis of American strategic bomber aviation. The concept of a long-range bomber exceeding 2M was born in the USAF around 1965. In response to this demand, Rockwell established the ancestor of the B-1B, the B-1A, which was flown in December 1974. However, with Carter assuming the chairmanship of the US President, the program was canceled. The program was relaunched in 1981, with the first serial B-1B reaching the linear units in 1984, with the last serial versions arriving in 1988. A total of 100 B-1B Lancer were produced. In 2003, 67 aircraft remained in service until at least 2020. The B-1B Lancer undergoes constant modifications, mainly consisting in the replacement of electronic warfare systems and the possibility of carrying guided weapons. The planes were used in combat in Yugoslavia (1999), Iraq (2003) and Afghanistan (2001-2002). Technical data: Maximum speed: 1330 km / h, speed of climb: m / s, maximum ceiling 18000 m, maximum range: 12000 km.