Aircraft Type: Rockwell International B-1A, S/N 76-174, "Lancer"

Mission: Swing Wing Strategic Bomber

Number built: Four B-1A models, 100 b-1B models

Powerplant: Four General Electric F101-GE-100 afterburning turbofans, 30,000 lbs. thrust each

Weight: Empty 190,000 lbs., Loaded 389,000 lbs., Maximum takeoff weight 477,000 lbs.

Dimensions: Wingspan 136'8" swept fully forward- 78'2" fully swept, Length 150'2", Height 33'7"

Performance: Maximum speed 1,390 MPH, Cruising speed 647 MPH, Service Ceiling 60,000 feet, Range 6,100 miles

Significance of Type: The B-1 is a "swing wing" strategic bomber of blended wing-body design intended for high speed, low altitude penetration missions. The B-1 uses shorter runways, can carry twice the payload, and has a smaller radar profile than the B-52.

The origin of the B-1 began as a USAF funded 1965 study to examine replacement of the ill-fated North American B-70 Valkyrie and relatively slow B-52. The first prototype rolled out of Palmdale, California on October 26, 1974 and made it's first flight on December 23, 1974. The B-1 flight test program continued throughout 1975 and into 1976, until political problems were encountered with the Carter administration. On June 30, 1977, President Jimmy Carter halted the production of the B-1.

On October 2, 1981, President Ronald Reagan resurrected the B-1 program as part of his defense buildup initiative. He awarded Rockwell a contract to build 100 B-1B bombers.

About our B-1A This aircraft is the fourth and last B-1A built. It was first flown in February 1979, and was used primarily as the avionics test bed for the B-1B Program. Unlike the other B-1A's which had crew escape modules, this aircraft has ejection seats (standard on the B-1B). This aircraft was delivered to the United States Air Force Museum on December 16, 1986, where it was statically displayed for 17-years. It was disassembled and transported by truck cross-country and delivered to the Strategic Air & Space Museum on October 22, 2003.