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Not many people are needed to get a B-1B Lancer in the air, and only a few crew chiefs and some specialists can do the job with great efficiency. In general, about 10 ground crew are required to get the B-1Bs operational.
The B-1B Lancer
Nicknamed “The Bone,” the B-1B Lancer is a long-range, multi-mission conventional bomber, which has served the United States Air Force since 1985 (first flight in 1974). Originally designed for nuclear capabilities, the B-1 switched to an exclusively conventional combat role in the mid-1990’s. The B-1 bomber has evolved over the years into a sophisticated front-line bomber. It carries the largest payload in the USAF long-range bomber fleet. The B-1 has been nearly continuously deployed in combat operations over Afghanistan and Iraq since 2001.
Today’s B-1 can carry a mixed load of weapons in each of its three bays. Its long range allows it to be deployed far from the conflict and fly unrefueled for long periods. Its swept wings allow it to fly fast, slow, low or high as the situation demands. With only four crew members required, missions can rapidly be adjusted in flight to keep up with adversaries. The radar and targeting pod can be used for positive target identification and the aircraft can employ a variety of other weapons, including laser-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles wit an extended range, and high explosive BLU-129 bombs.
Upgrades
In April 2012, Boeing received a $55.3 million production contract from the U.S.A.F to upgrade the B-1 Lancer's navigation system. The upgrade has replaced the original navigation hardware with a new ring laser gyro system. The new inertial navigation system uses a ring laser gyro with no moving parts to wear out and repair. This upgrade has dramatically increase the system reliability.
Later in 2012 Boeing received a $65.8 million follow-on contract from the U.S.A.F for nine B-1 Lancer bomber Integrated battle Station (IBS) modification kits, spares, training, support equipment and engineering support. IBS integrates three major aircraft modifications: an updated front and cockpit, a new diagnostic system system and a new Link 16 data link, which all enhance situational awareness and communication for the crew.
Conclusion
For the USAF air and ground crews, the biggest differences between exercises in Europe and continental USA were that they had the chance to cooperate with Coalition partners. "Jackal" explains: ”We can’t do this at home. It costs tons of money. During Red-Flag and Green Flag our aircraft and squadrons have worked together with Emirati Mirages before. But we were able to integrate and train together with the coalition and with the navies of the different countries. Because we are situated in the middle of the United States, we don’t fly to the coast very often to train and integrate with the Navy.”
The squadrons have learned a lot, and they will continue to hone their skills while passing along their hard-won lessons to other air and ground crews. Exporting this knowledge once they get back home is one of the key successes of these exercises.