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B-1B Lancer Strategic Bomber

B-1B Lancer Strategic Bomber

Brand: Boeing
Category: Bombers & Strategic Aircraft
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Maximum Speed Mach 1.25 (1,335 km/h)
Range 5,900 miles (9,400 km)
Payload Capacity Capacity : 75,000 lb (34,000 kg)
Crew 4

Full Specifications
Product Overview
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Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	B-1B Lancer
Manufacturer	Rockwell International (Boeing)
Country of Origin	United States
Introduction / In Service Since	1986
Status	Active
Category	Strategic Bomber
Crew	4
Unit Cost	Approx. $317 million (2024 USD)

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	146 ft (44.5 m)
Wingspan	79–137 ft (24–41.8 m)
Height	34 ft (10.4 m)
Wing Area	1,950 sq ft (181 m²)
Empty Weight	190,000 lb (86,000 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	477,000 lb (216,000 kg)

3. Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.25
Range	5,900 mi (9,400 km)
Combat Radius	2,993 mi (4,818 km)
Service Ceiling	60,000 ft (18,000 m)
Rate of Climb	10,000 ft/min

4. Powerplant

Engine Type	4 × GE F101-GE-102
Thrust (per engine)	30,780 lbf (137 kN)
Total Thrust	123,120 lbf (547 kN)

5. Payload & Armament

Internal Payload Capacity	75,000 lb (34,000 kg)
Weapons Bay	3 internal bays
Compatible Weapons	JDAMs, JASSM, Mk 82/84 bombs, AGM-158 missiles
Hardpoints	Internal only (no external pylons in standard config)

6. Avionics & Systems

Radar System	AN/APQ-164 offensive radar
Navigation	INS/GPS with terrain-following radar
Electronic Warfare (EW)	ALQ-161A defensive suite
Stealth Features	Reduced RCS design, radar absorbent materials

7. Operational History

Primary Operator	United States Air Force
Conflict Usage	Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria
Notable Missions	Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve

8. Additional Information

Variants	B-1A (prototype), B-1B (production)
Successor / Future Replacement	B-21 Raider
Notable Features	Variable-sweep wings, supersonic low-level flight
Estimated Operational Life	Until 2036

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.6

Stealth Capability 7 / 10
Payload Capacity 10 / 10
Range & Endurance 10 / 10
Electronic Warfare 9 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 7 / 10

PROS

Supersonic speed with heavy payload capacity
Long operational range and endurance
Versatile mission adaptability
Advanced avionics and EW systems
Proven reliability in combat operations

CONS

High maintenance and operating costs
Aging airframe nearing end of service
Limited stealth compared to modern designs
Complex variable-sweep wing mechanics
Reduced nuclear deterrence role

B-1B Lancer: America’s Supersonic Long-Range Bomber

The Rockwell B-1B Lancer, nicknamed the “Bone” (from “B-One”), is a supersonic, variable-sweep wing heavy bomber developed by the United States during the Cold War. Designed to penetrate enemy defenses and deliver massive conventional or nuclear payloads, the B-1B remains a cornerstone of America’s long-range strike capability.

Originally conceived by Rockwell International (now part of Boeing Defense), the B-1 program aimed to combine the speed of the B-58 Hustler and the payload of the B-52 Stratofortress. Entering service in 1986, the B-1B replaced earlier strategic bombers in many roles, providing greater survivability with low-altitude flight, radar cross-section reduction, and electronic countermeasures.

Powered by four General Electric F101-GE-102 afterburning turbofan engines, the Lancer reaches speeds over Mach 1.25 (≈ 1,335 km/h) and can carry an internal payload of up to 75,000 pounds — the largest among U.S. bombers. Its variable-geometry wings allow for exceptional aerodynamic flexibility, optimizing performance for both high-speed penetration and fuel-efficient cruising.

The B-1B has been extensively used in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, delivering precision-guided munitions in sustained strike operations. While it no longer carries nuclear weapons, the Lancer continues to serve as a vital conventional bomber in the U.S. Air Force’s Global Strike Command, bridging the gap until the B-21 Raider becomes fully operational.

Reviews

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Stealth Capability:

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Payload Capacity:

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Range & Endurance:

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Electronic Warfare:

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Maintenance Efficiency:

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