Gallery of USAF Weapons
Almanac USAFI Gallery of USAF Weapons By Susan H.H. Young Note: Inventory numbers are Total Active Inventory figures as of Sept. 30, 2001. gram, incorporating the ALE-55 fiber-optic towed de- coy, ALR-56M Radar Warning Receiver, and ALQ-214 receiver/processor, is aimed at improving aircrew situ- ational awareness and survivability. Current plans en- visage a reduction in the B-1 inventory to 60 aircraft, consolidated at Dyess AFB, Tex., and Ellsworth AFB, N.D., the cost savings to be used to improve readiness in the remaining fleet. B-2 Spirit Brief: Stealthy, long-range multirole bomber that can deliver conventional and nuclear munitions any- where on the globe by flying through previously impen- etrable defenses. Function: Long-range heavy bomber. Operator: ACC. First Flight: July 17, 1989. Delivered: Dec. 11, 1993–present. IOC: April 1997, Whiteman AFB, Mo. Production: 21. Inventory: 21. Unit Location: Whiteman AFB, Mo. Contractor: Northrop Grumman; Boeing; LTV. B-1B Lancer (TSgt. Cedric H. Rudisill) Power Plant: four General Electric F118-GE-100 turbofans, each 17,300 lb thrust. Accommodation: two, mission commander and pi- lot, on zero/zero ejection seats. with enhanced survivability. Unswept wing settings Dimensions: span 172 ft, length 69 ft, height 17 ft. provide for maximum range during high-altitude cruise. Weight: empty 125,000–153,700 lb, typical T-O weight Bombers The fully swept position is used in supersonic flight and 336,500 lb. for high subsonic, low-altitude penetration. Ceiling: 50,000 ft. B-1 Lancer The bomber’s offensive
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