Four General Electric F-101-GE-102 turbofan engines with afterburners power the B-1B, a long-range strategic bomber, capable of flying intercontinental missions without refueling, then penetrating sophisticated enemy defenses. The aircraft can perform a variety of missions, including that of a conventional weapons carrier for theater operations.

The first operational B-1B was delivered to the Air Force at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, in June 1985, with initial operational capability on Oct. 1, 1986. The final B-1B was delivered in May 1988.

The B-1B has captured more than 80 world records for speed, payload and distance. The National Aeronautic Association recognized the B-1B for completing one of the five most memorable record flights for 2003.

B-1B Aircraft Facts

Thrust: 30,000-plus pounds with afterburner, per engine
Length: 146 feet (44.5 meters)
Wingspan: 137 feet (41.8 meters) extended forward, 79 feet (24.1 meters) swept aft
Height: 34 feet (10.4 meters)
Weight: Empty, approximately 190,000 pounds (86,183 kilograms)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 477,000 pounds ((216,634 kilograms)
Speed: 900-plus mph (Mach 1.2 at sea level)
Range: Intercontinental, unrefueled
Ceiling: More than 30,000 feet (9,144 meters)
Crew: Four (aircraft commander, pilot, offensive systems officer and defensive systems officer)
Armament: Up to 84 Mark 82 conventional 500-pound bombs, or 30 CBU-87/89/97, or 24 JDAMS. Also can be reconfigured to carry a wide range of nuclear weapons.