FLYING Classics: B-1B's Legacy of Mission Flexibility

The B-1B Lancer's roles have included nuclear deterrence and close-air support.

Scott Mall

Friday, October 07, 2022 at 09:11 AM ET

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A B-1B with wings swept full forward. [Courtesy: USAF]

Key Takeaways:

The B-1 bomber program faced early cancellation as the B-1A by President Carter due to cost, but was revived by President Reagan as the B-1B for strategic deterrence against the Soviet Union.
Initially designed as a nuclear deterrent, the B-1B transitioned to a highly effective conventional precision bomber after the Cold War, deploying a significant proportion of ordnance in numerous combat operations globally.
Despite its versatility and combat effectiveness, the B-1B fleet is being phased out due to aging, structural fatigue from heavy use, and the impending arrival of the B-21 Raider, ironically leading to its retirement before the B-52 it was intended to replace.

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In 1964, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) sought a new bomber that could fly at supersonic speeds at high altitude and at high subsonic speeds at low altitude. However, then Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara found crewed bombers unnecessary as a nuclear deterrent. Moreover, the Vietnam War was ramping up, so McNamara limited the bomber project to studies and component development.

With a widening war, the strategic, fast, high-flying bomber project stalled in the 1960s, while the B-52—which excelled in a low-altitude role—remained relevant on bombing missions in Vietnam.