Aging B-1 Bomber May Soon Have to Restrict the Way it Flies
8 Dec 2019
Military.com | By Oriana Pawlyk
The B-1B Lancer bomber, a plane designed with the ability to fly fast and low to the Earth in order to avoid enemy radars, might find itself operating at higher altitudes for the rest of its days in service, as officials weigh options to extend its lifespan.
The move is one of several being considered to keep the aircraft flying for years to come because low-altitude missions increase the wear and tear on the aircraft's structure, Military.com has learned.
"We're closely working with aircrews, maintenance, industry engineers and combatant commands to identify and determine what, if any, changes may be made as we balance operational necessity today with the longevity of the B-1 airframe for the future," said Air Force Global Strike Command spokesman Lt. Col. David Faggard.
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/12/08/aging-b-1-bomber-may-soon-have-restrict-way-it-flies.html
