B-1B

The B-1B is a long-range strategic bomber, capable of flying intercontinental missions without refueling, then penetrating present and future sophisticated enemy defenses. It can perform a variety of missions, including that of a conventional weapons carrier for theater operations. The B-1B's electronic jamming equipment, infrared countermeasures, radar location and warning systems complement its low-radar cross-section and form an integrated defense system for the aircraft. The swing-wing design and turbofan engines not only provide greater range and high speed at low levels but they also enhance the bomber's survivability. Wing sweep at the full-forward position allows a short takeoff roll and a fast base-escape profile for airfields under attack. Once airborne, the wings are positioned for maximum cruise distance or high-speed penetration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Steve Thurow)

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Back in action

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Workers from the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center here and maintainers from the 654th Combat Logistics Support Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., have regenerated the first B-1B Lancer. After two months of flight preparations, the B-1B took off Sept. 2 for Dyess AFB, Texas. The Lancer, Serial No. 86-0097, entered storage at the center in April 2003 under the Air Force's B-1B consolidation plan. In early 2004, the commander of Air Combat Command directed the recall of this B-1B to supplement fleet requirements supporting the war on terrorism. (U.S. Air Force photo by Terry D. Vanden-Heuvel)

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Boeing B-1B

DAYTON, Ohio -- Boeing B-1B Lancer at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Bomber away

AIRBORNE -- The B-1B Lancer cruises above the clouds. A B-1B test program that combined testing of software upgrades, along with integrating the 500-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition wrapped up here Feb. 24. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Lance Cheung)

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Bombs away

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A B-1B Lancer from the global power bomber combined test force here drops a Joint Standoff Weapon during a recent test mission. The test marked the first time the JSOW has been dropped from the long-range bomber. (U.S. Air Force photo by Steve Zapka)

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Accident report: B-1B fire caused by brakes

Published Jan. 12, 2006
Air Combat Command Public Affairs

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) -- A combination of leaking hydraulic fluid and sparks from the forward inboard brake assembly gouging its wheel caused a fire in a B-1B Lancer’s right main landing gear as it touched down on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, after a mission Sept. 15, according to Air Force investigators.

The aircraft, which is assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., was completing a training mission.

The crew exited the aircraft without injuries. The estimated cost of the damage to the B-1B is more than $32 million. The taxiway was also damaged, and the cost for repairs is estimated at nearly $184,000.

The incident was set in motion by the migration of the axle beam bushing and failure of the torque tube bushing, which over time allowed the brake to press into the wheel and gouge the rim. The movement of the brake also caused the pin connecting the brake to the brake swivel to break, resulting in a leak in the primary brake hydraulic system. The combination of the leaking hydraulic fluid and sparks from the wheel being gouged caused the fire.

For more information, contact the ACC Public Affairs office at (757) 764-5007 or e-mail acc.pam@langley.af.mil.

B-1B

Back in action

Boeing B-1B

Bomber away

Bombs away