The US Air Force has changed its mind about decommissioning the B-1B Lancer - the strategic bomber will be used to test hypersonic weapons and new technologies
The US Air Force was planning to get rid of its fleet of B-1B Lancer supersonic strategic bombers in the early 2030s. However, the service has changed its mind and wants to continue to use the aircraft further.
Here's What We Know
The US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center no longer has a set date to retire the bombers. The service will use the B-1B Lancer until the next-generation B-21 Raider aircraft (pictured below) enter service.
In 2018, a plan was approved for the US Air Force to get rid of both the B-1 and B-2 in the early 2030s. Now the service is ready to invest in supporting the viability of the bombers.
The Bomber Capability Roadmap has been developed for this purpose. It should solve the supply problem for the now obsolete air platforms, whose production ended years ago.
The US Air Force sees the B-1B Lancer as a platform for testing hypersonic weapons. For this purpose, Boeing has created a modular pylon system. This solution will make it possible to find a use for the B-1B and at the same time reduce the load on the B-52H Stratofortress, which is now involved in test launches of hypersonic missiles.
The pylon is called Load Adaptable Modular (LAM). Compared to current solutions, it has one and a half times the payload capacity. Boeing itself has funded the development of the LAM, but the authorities are paying for testing.
To facilitate maintenance of the B-1B Lancer, the US Air Force wants to create a digital twin of the aircraft. To do this, specialists will scan all structural components from parts of the two disassembled bombers.
The digital twin will help predict structural problems and prepare the foundation for modernisation. So far, 4,000 of the 51,000 CAD models of the B-1B Lancer structure have been created.
In parallel, Boeing in Washington is conducting full-scale structural fatigue tests on the airframe and wing of the aircraft. The tests will help detect areas of potential risk.
Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine
