Mission
The B1-B is a long-range strategic bomber, capable of flying intercontinental missions without refueling, then penetrating present and future sophisticated enemy defenses. It can preform a variety of missions, including that of a conventional weapons carrier for theater operations.
Characteristics
Primary Function: Long-range, multi-role, heavy bomber
Contractor: Rockwell International, North American Aircraft
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)
Height: 34 feet (10.4 meters)
Wingspan: 137 feet (41.8 meters)
Speed: 900 plus miles per hour (Mach 1.2 at sea level)
Ceiling: Over 30,000 feet (9,144 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 477,000 pounds (216,634 kilograms)
Range: Intercontinental, unrefueled
Armament: Up to 84 Mark 82 conventional 500-pound bombs and 30 CBU-87/89/97. Also
can be reconfigured to carry a wide range of nuclear weapons.
Crew: Four (aircraft commander, pilot, offensive systems officer, and defensive
systems officer)
Date Deployed: June 1985
Unit Cost: $200-plus million per aircraft
Inventory: Active force = 51 primary mission aircraft inventory (PMAI), 72
(actual), 2 (test); ANG = 18 PMAI, 20 (actual); Reserve = 0
