The Boeing (formerly Rockwell) B-1B Lancer is not one of those planes we get to see or hear something about on a daily basis. The supersonic heavy bomber is somewhat of a discreet presence for the general population but a frightening one for America’s enemies.
Maj. Gen. Christopher Azzano, Air Force Test Center commander. “Demonstration of B-1B external carriage reflects the potential to keep weapon systems in the fight with increased combat capability.”
A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 412th Test Wing’s 419th FLTS launched an inert Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile from an external pylon underneath the aircraft’s fuselage. The external pylon usually carries the “Sniper” targeting pod.
This release demonstration also put AFGSC one step closer to building the future bomber fleet for the Department of Defense and U.S. Air Force while utilizing current resources.
“Arming a limited number of B-1s with more weapons externally could enable Global Strike Command to provide more weapons for geographic combatant commanders while putting fewer aircraft and aircrew in harm’s way,” said