| Rockwell B-1 Lancer | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Rockwell B-1B in flight, bombing. | |
| Role | Strategic bomber |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Rockwell |
| First flight | 1974 |
| Introduction | 1 October 1986 |
| Status | Active |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Produced | Out of production. |
| Number built | 104 examples |
The Rockwell B-1 Lancer is a strategic bomber in the service with the US Air Force. It is a four-turbojet aircraft that uses a variable-sweep wing. It can carry guided bombs or classic bombs. It used to be able to carry nuclear weapons, however due to treaties between the US and Soviet Union, this is no longer. It is only used by the USA.
Originally designed in the 1970s to replace the older Boeing B-52 Stratofortress as the B-1A. Program was cancelled in 1977. When Ronald Reagan was elected in the United States, the program was reconsidered and the B-1B was developed, an improved variant. The new B-1B entered service on 1 October 1986.
Because of Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty I or START I, a treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union, the U.S. Air Force got rid of the B-1's nuclear mission. This was done by removing the ways it used to be able to carry nuclear weapons and limiting its bomb load. The treaty didn't allow the U.S. Air Force to use nuclear weapons on the B-1.
