The B-1B Lancer is an American long-range strategic bomber of half-body design with variable wing geometry, developed by Rockwell International (now Boeing). Together with B-52 and B-2 aircraft, it forms the basis of American strategic bomber aviation. The idea of a long-range bomber exceeding 2M was born in the US Air Force around 1965. In response to this demand, Rockwell created the B-1B's ancestor, the B-1A, which took to the air in December 1974. However, when Carter became the head of the US president, the program was canceled. The program was restarted in 1981, with the first production B-1Bs entering line units in 1984, and the last production versions arriving in 1988. A total of 100 B-1B Lancers were produced. In 2003, 67 aircraft remained in service until at least 2020. The B-1B Lancer undergoes constant modifications, which mainly consist in the replacement of EW systems and the ability to carry guided weapons. The aircraft were used in combat operations in Yugoslavia (1999), Iraq (2003) and Afghanistan (2001-2002). Technical data: Maximum speed: 1330 km/h, climb rate: m/s, maximum ceiling 18,000 m, maximum flight range: 12,000 km.
