BOMBER SUPPLEMENT // B-1B LANCER
The US Air Force’s B-1B Lancer fleet has seen many changes, notably its adaptation to the conventional role and its transfer to Air Force Global Strike Command. However, readiness is a constant concern in the current climate.
THE B-1B LANCER fleet has been at the center of a significant mission systems upgrade effort over recent years. It has transformed the cockpits of this USAF heavyweight. However, it could be the last significant money spent on the ‘Bone’ as retirement plans loom.
This kind of strategic plan immediately leads to funding being channeled away from a platform. This is exacerbated by significant structural concerns that have left the two operational B-1 bomb wings in a parlous state when it comes to readiness.
The mission-capable rate (MCR) for the USAF’s fleet of 62 Lancers sat at 52.8 per cent in 2017. It’s a statistic that has since worsened. The House Armed Services sea power and projection forces subcommittee says the B-1 isn’t receiving the funding it needs to improve its poor MCR. In fact, after two protracted safety of flight groundings in the past year, the number of mission-ready Lancers is said to be in single digits and Air Force Global Stri…
