B-1 Weapon System
Abstract
The B-1 is being developed as a follow-on bomber to the B-52 bomber. It will have variable sweep wings and be capable of supersonic speeds at high altitudes and high subsonic speeds at low altitudes. It will be powered by four turbofan engines and will have a four-man crew. The B-1 will have a flexible avionics system to support both its high and low altitude missions. The offensive part of this avionics system will undergo six months of flight testing prior to a production decision while the defensive part will undergo ground testing only. The B-1 is designed to accommodate growth in the avionics area should postulated future events, not now evident, so dictate. If, and when, it grows, there will be additional cost. The primary weapon for the B-1 will be the Short Range Attack Missile (SRAM) which will be used both for defense suppression and target destruction. Large internal weapon bays will permit carriage of nuclear and conventional weapons as well as fuel and penetration aids. External carriage capability will also be provided. The B-1 is currently in the Full-scale Development Phase which It entered on June 5, 1970.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD1119862
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office