Rockwell B-1B Lancer strategic bomber.
The Rockwell B-1B Lancer is a strategic bomber of the U.S. Air Force. Although it was designed as a nuclear bomber, since 1994 the B-1B can only carry conventional weapons. It is considered a successor to the old Boeing B-52 and is considered capable of carrying out intercontinental missions without refuelling and penetrating advanced enemy anti-aircraft defences.
The crew consists of four people: two pilots and two system operators.
With its swing-wing design and turbofan engines, the Lancer not only has a long range but can reach very high speeds at treetop altitude. Also, due to a low radar cross-section and a host of electronic countermeasures integrated in the AN/ALQ 161A ECM package, the aircraft has a very high survivability.
Meanwhile, it is known that the B-52 will outlive the B-1B, the B-1B will be withdrawn from service in the near future while the B-52 will be fitted with new engines and is likely to last another 30 years or so.
This picture was taken on 29 March 2025 during the Defenders of Liberty Airshow at Barksdale Air Force Base.
I am Jaap van den Berg and photography has become a great passion of mine since 2010. Since then I travel all over the world to take pictures of military aircrafts. But besides aircraft I also love to photograph other subjects like landscapes, architecture, flowers, animals, .. Read more…