B1 Bomber celebrates 25 years

On June 29, 1985, the first B-1 Lancer bomber entered service at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas.  25 years later (with numerous technological modifications in tow), the B-1 still continues to protect U.S. troops and its allies, delivering precision guided weapons at a moment's notice.  It was originally designed as a heavy nuclear bomber during the Cold War, but as the Iron Curtain fell and the U.S.S.R. eventually dissolved, the B-1 transformed itself into a more conventional role.  With its swept-wing geometry, the B-1 can deliver ordnance at supersonic speeds over long distances.  It can also deliver its payload stealthily due to a special paint on its surface that considerably reduces its radar cross section.  Out of the 100 B-1B's that were produced and delivered to the U.S. Air Force, 66 still remain in active service.  I've had the pleasure of seeing and "feeling" a B-1B take off, and it's an absolutely breathtaking experience.  Those engines sure are loud!

Photo Credit / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0