US Air Force Tested B-1B at Sea

24.09.2011 US Air Force held first test of long-range bomber B-1B Lancer against sea targets, reports Jane's. The trials were conducted by Airplanes of 53rd Bomber Wing, 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron attached to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. It was not reported how many B-1B bombers were involved in the tests.

During test flights, Lancers dropped 10 JDAMs: two laser-guided bombs GBU-54, six 225-kg guided bombs GBU-38, and two 900-kg dumb bombs GBU-31. All munitions were dropped on highly-maneuverable sea surface targets.

Main objective of the trials was testing of new aircraft software and targeting pods AN/AAQ-33, as well as working out tactics of B-1B at sea. Presently, US Air Force develops several Lancer application concepts including air support to land forces. Extension of B-1B capabilities has been on the US Air Force's agenda since 1995 when Lancers were no longer nuclear arms carriers.