Could we really build a B-1B Gunship?

[rangerrebew]

Could we really build a B-1B Gunship?

Alex Hollings | April 15, 2021

In 2018, Boeing filed patents for a number of potential cannon mounting solutions for the supersonic heavy payload bomber, the B-1B Lancer, with the intent of creating a B-1B gunship similar in capability to the famed Spooky AC-130 and its most recent successor, the AC-130J Ghostrider. While the patents indicate Boeing’s interest in prolonging the life of the venerable Lancer, there’s been little progress toward pursuing this unusual design.

Recently, the U.S. Air Force announced plans to begin retiring its fleet of B-1Bs in favor of the forthcoming B-21 Raider, prompting us to ask ourselves: could we actually build a B-1B gunship to keep this legendary aircraft in service?
Could we really build a B-1B Gunship?

https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/could-we-really-build-a-b-1b-gunship/

[PeteS in CA]

Boeing is probably trying to prolong the life of the B-1 by adding to its uses. No doubt it could carry the load, but the/a question would be how valuable its ability to scoot after its shoot would be. The USAF isn't exactly in love with CAS, which a B-1 gunship variant would be.