Rockwell B-1B Lancer

Mystery Spotter 🇬🇧

06 Feb 2026 · © Unknown

The B-1B Lancer, dubbed 'The Bone,' is a rare appearance at airshows outside the United States and remains one of the few supersonic bombers in service globally.

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Comments (1)

JETMEDiC · 07 Feb 2026

I love the B-1B. Definitely among my top 5 favorites.

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Aircraft

B-1B Lancer B1

US Air Force (standard grey tactical scheme)

Airline

United States Air Force

AIO (for Air Combat Command, for civil purposes, but not typically used for bombers)

Manufacturer

Rockwell

Insights

Aviation History

The Rockwell B-1B Lancer is a supersonic variable-sweep wing heavy bomber used by the United States Air Force. It replaced the B-52 in certain roles and provided the USAF's strategic bomber fleet with increased flexibility and speed during the Cold War and beyond.

Fleet Rarity

About 45 B-1Bs are in active service with the US Air Force as of 2024, making it a rare sight outside the United States.

Record Flights

Known for long-duration strategic missions; notable for use in Operation Desert Fox and strikes in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Safety & Events

The B-1B fleet has experienced both accidents and combat losses, but enjoys a long record of operational versatility, particularly its conventional bombing role post-Cold War.

Future Outlook

The B-1B is scheduled for retirement by the early 2030s, being replaced by the upcoming B-21 Raider. Some airframes are being stored or scrapped.

Specifications

General Electric F101-GE-102 afterburning turbofan (x4)

Engine

41.8 m (swept forward) / 23.8 m (swept back)

Wingspan

44.5 m

Length

11,998 km (ferry), ~5,500 km (combat)

Range

960 km/h (Mach 0.96, high subsonic cruise); max speed Mach 1.25+ (1,335 km/h at altitude)

Speed

Crew: 4 (combat crew), typical bomb load: up to 56,700 kg

Capacity

216,363 kg

MTOW

10.4 m

Height

136 kN (30,780 lbf) each engine (afterburning)

Thrust

Classified / not publicly rated for noise, traditional military high-decibel output

Noise

Exact tail number/registration not visible due to angle and lighting.