February 28, 2021
The B-1 Bomber Isn’t Only Escaping Retirement, It Is Thriving
The B-21s will likely not be part of the force in larger numbers until the 2030s.
by Kris Osborn
Here's What You Need to Remember: Also, given the complexity of the aircraft and the uniqueness of its production line, the B-21s will likely not be part of the force in larger numbers until the 2030s, a circumstance which continues to inform the Air Force’s ongoing move to extend and improve the mission life of the classic B-1.
The U.S. Air Force’s classic B-1B Lancer will live to fight another day, at least for several more years until enough B-21s arrive, a scenario which has inspired the service to extend the bomber’s service life and performance capacity through a series of upgrades and technical overhauls.
In recent years, the Air Force has been working on a range of massive improvements to the B-1, giving it improved weapons capacity, avionics, communications systems and engines.
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/b-1-bomber-isn%E2%80%99t-only-escaping-retirement-it-thriving-178798
