The B-1 is a long-range strategic bomber with a distinctive streamlined shape. It was originally designed to deliver nuclear weapons to targets in defended Soviet airspace, but can carry a variety of conventional arms as well.
B1-B Lancer
Primary function: Long-range, multi-role, heavy bomber
Builder: Boeing, North America (formerly Rockwell)
Speed: 900+ mph (mach 1.2)
Armament: Short-range attack missiles, bombs and cruise missiles
Crew: Four (aircraft commander, copilot, offensive systems officer and defensive systems officer)
Power plant: Four General Electric F-101-GE-102 turbofan engine with afterburner
Thrust: 30,000-plus pounds with afterburner, per engine
Length: 146 feet (44.5 meters)
Wingspan: 137 feet (41.8 meters) extended forward, 79 feet (24.1 meters) swept aft
Height: 34 feet (10.4 meters)
Weight: Empty, approximately 190,000 pounds (86,183 kilograms)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 477,000 pounds (216,634 kilograms)
Range: Intercontinental, unrefueled
Ceiling: More than 30,000 feet (9,144 meters)
Date Deployed: June 1985
Unit Cost: $283.1 million (fiscal 98 constant dollars)
Inventory: Active force, 51 primary mission aircraft inventory (72 actual), 2 (test); ANG, 18 PMAI (20 actual); Reserve, 0
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