US Air Force/Airman Jonah Fronk
The Air Force is divesting B-1B bombers, aiming to retire the fleet by the end of the 2030s.
The bombers are considered the workhorse of the Air Force today.
At least one of the outgoing bombers will find new life as a lab to help keep other B-1s flying.
In February, the Air Force announced that it will begin retiring the B-1B Lancer from service by divesting 17 bombers from the fleet of 62.
The divestment is being done to cut costs, streamline modernization and maintenance for other aircraft, and prepare for the introduction of the Air Force s future B-21 Raider bomber.
US Air Force/Airman Jonah Fronk
An airman salutes a B-1B Lancer that is being divested at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, on February 17.
The Air Force is divesting B-1B bombers, aiming to retire the fleet by the end of the 2030s.
The bombers are considered “the workhorse of the Air Force today.”
At least one of the outgoing bombers could find new life as a lab to help keep other B-1s flying.
In February, the Air Force announced that it will begin retiring the B-1B Lancer from service by divesting 17 bombers from the fleet of 62.
The Air Force is getting rid of B-1B bombers, but it s keeping one around for a different kind of mission msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Source: US Air Force
Aircraft 86-0999 arrives at Edwards AFB, where it will serve as the Edwards Aircraft Ground Integration Lab (EAGIL)
Source: US Air Force
Aircraft 86-0999 arrives at Edwards AFB, where it will serve as the Edwards Aircraft Ground Integration Lab (EAGIL)
Source: US Air Force
Aircraft 86-0999 arrives at Edwards AFB, where it will serve as the Edwards Aircraft Ground Integration Lab (EAGIL)
Source: US Air Force
“EAGIL will be a non-flyable aircraft that will be used as an integration lab for future upgrades,” says Stephen Salas, B-1 platform lead, Global Power Bombers Combined Test Force.
“We plan to do avionics software, weapon and hardware testing, new equipment fit checks, prototyping efforts and EAGIL will be used to support weapon load training, egress training, as well as aircraft familiarisation for new personnel.”