Key Points – The US Air Force’s plan to retire its B-1B Lancer bombers as the new B-21 Raider becomes operational is questioned due to potential strategic risks.
-While the B-1B fleet faces age-related structural fatigue and high maintenance costs, retiring it prematurely could create a critical bomber capability gap, especially if the B-21 program encounters delays or cost overruns.
-Given the heightened geopolitical threat environment involving China and Russia, the B-1B’s significant payload, long range, and recently upgraded systems are argued to still provide valuable and relatively cost-effective conventional strike capacity that might be needed for longer than currently anticipated.
Is the US Air Force Retiring Its B-1B Bombers Too Soon?
The United States Air Force has plans for the B-1B Lancer’s retirement. After years of service, the US Air Force now sees the need to begin phasing these bombers out of service. Its replacement, the B-21 Raider, promises to be one of the most technologically advanced bombers ever flown.
However, with a project as big and meticulous as the B-21, there’s always the possibility of delays or cost overruns. In such a scenario, the B-1B may be called up again and serve for just a bit longer.
Retiring the B-1B
After decades of service, the Air Force feels that the B-1B has finally reached its last legs. Many B-1B aircraft have suffered from severe structural fatigue, particularly at the wing pivot points. This weakness is due to years of high and slow flying, which is not what the aircraft was designed for. Additionally, some B-1s experienced catastrophic mechanical failures like exploding engines during maintenance checks, calling the safety of these bombers into question. Repairing these issues would be costly and time-consuming.
Additionally, the USAF faces challenges in maintaining a large bomber fleet with limited manpower. Introducing the B-21 Raider requires reallocating resources and personnel, making it difficult to sustain four different bomber types. The B-21 is simply more appealing to the USAF, with advanced stealth capabilities and integration with unmanned systems. Transitioning to the B-21 will ensure the USAF remains at the technological forefront.
Will the B-21 Really Work Out?
The B-1 is intended to be replaced by the B-21 Raider. The Air Force has been anticipating the arrival of the B-21 for many years now. With its advanced avionics and stealth capabilities, the B-21 may be the sixth-generation aircraft accepted into US service.
However, there may be a few problems with this approach. While the B-21 appears to be on schedule, cost overruns or technical difficulties could occur at any moment, causing production delays. If this were to happen, the US would be short of several bombers while the B-21 production evolves. To this end, the B-21 may be needed for a bit longer.
Additionally, the B-1 is being retired at a terrible time. With China gearing up for a potential military engagement with Taiwan and Russia asserting itself in Ukraine, the US has to prepare for a possible face-off with one or both of these superpowers. The need for US bombers is increasing, and yet the general readiness of the Air Force’s bomber fleet is decreasing. At its current rate, the USAF will be unprepared for a military conflict with China.
Furthermore, despite its age, the B-1B has undergone numerous upgrades to enhance its capabilities, including improvements to its avionics, electronic warfare systems, and weapon integration. Continued investment in these upgrades could extend the bomber’s operational life.
Additionally, the B-1B is relatively cost-effective compared to newer bombers like the B-2 Spirit. Maintaining and upgrading the B-1B fleet could be more economical than investing in entirely new platforms. The B-1B plays a crucial role in the USAF’s strategic bomber fleet alongside the B-2 and B-52.
Its retirement could create gaps in the fleet’s capabilities, especially during the transition to the B-21 Raider.
The B-1B May Fly a Bit Longer
The B-1 bomber began development back in the 1960s, aiming to combine the Mach 2 speed of the B-58 Hustler with the range and payload capacity of the B-52. North American Rockwell, which later became Rockwell International and was eventually acquired by Boeing, won the design contest for what became the B-1A. The B-1A prototypes could fly at Mach 2.2 at high altitudes and Mach 0.85 at very low altitudes.
However, the program was canceled in 1977 due to high costs and the introduction of the AGM-86 cruise missile.
The program was revived in 1981, leading to the development of the B-1B variant. This version featured a reduced top speed of Mach 1.25 at high altitude, increased low-altitude speed of Mach 0.92, improved electronic components, and an upgraded airframe to carry more fuel and weapons.
The B-1B officially entered service in 1986 and was initially equipped for nuclear bombing missions. However, with the disestablishment of Strategic Air Command (SAC) in 1992, the B-1B’s nuclear capabilities were disabled, and it was reconfigured for conventional bombing.
Powered by four General Electric F101-GE-102 turbofan engines, the B-1B can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.25. Its wingspan is 137 feet when fully extended and 79 feet when swept back. The bomber can carry a payload of up to 75,000 pounds, including a mix of guided and unguided weapons, and has a range of approximately 4,600 miles without refueling.
Since its introduction, the B-1B has seen extensive combat use. It first served in combat during Operation Desert Fox in 1998 and later in NATO’s action in Kosovo in 1999.
The bomber has supported US and NATO military forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, demonstrating its versatility, effectiveness, and reliability in all sorts of combat scenarios.
About the Author:
Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
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