Comments on: 7 July 1985

By: James

James — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 16:15:55 +0000

In reply to George. Indeed. The original variable geometry inlets allowed for Mach 2+ speeds. The inlets were changed with the B-1B to a serpentine baffle style that are fixed but hide the engine fan face. This limits the top speed but significantly reduces the radar signature when viewed from the forward aspect. This was a substantial improvement to the B-1's radar signature, but the baffles have proven to be problematic for other operational reasons. The B version is heavier than the A, but that's not what reduced the top speed limit.

By: Jim Rudd

Jim Rudd — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 18:05:50 +0000

In reply to Val. The real reason it wasn't used in the Gulf war is because of its poor operational readiness. I don't think most people are aware of just how pathetically bad this aircraft really is. You can count on the old B-52, but not this subpar lemon. Sorry, but that's just a fact.

By: George

George — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 14:17:45 +0000

B-1A was capable of Mach 2. The B-1B dispensed with the variable geometry inlets and suffered a huge weight gain that rendered it only trans-sonic.

By: Bryan Swopes

Bryan Swopes — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 16:38:04 +0000

In reply to Val. As I recall, the B-1B fleet was held back as a strategic deterrent.

By: Val

Val — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 13:24:41 +0000

Thank you for this Bryan. Now why wasn’t the B-1B available for Desert Storm in 1991?