Boeing are looking at utilising the B1-B as a gunship!

[NutLoose]

But appear to have decided against it. See the link

https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/b-1b-gunship-boeings-plan-to-run-big-guns-on-the-lancer/

[Less Hair]

So would it become some A-1B then?

[BVRAAM]

An F-15E can do the same job at a fraction of the cost per flying hour.... why?

The USAF decided to field the least amount of combat platforms that they could possibly get away with, to reduce cost. It seems that trying to inject new life into an aircraft that many see as starting to become obsolete (OSD planned for 2036), is abandoning that sensible fiscal approach.

[spitfirek5054]

So would it become some A-1B then?
That would make it a Skyraider then?

[ORAC]

An F-15E can do the same job at a fraction of the cost per flying hour.... why?

Relevant if considering the Pacific theatre and China.......

F-15E combat radius - 750nm

B-1B combat radius - 3000nm

[BVRAAM]

Relevant if considering the Pacific theatre and China.......

F-15E combat radius - 750nm

B-1B combat radius - 3000nm

I just did a comparison with the other two heavy bombers in the USAF fleet, obviously the exact combat radius of the B-2 is classified, but the O/S approximation puts it at double the B-1, and the B-52 over 7500nm.

The B-1 must either burn an enormous amount of fuel, or its internal tanks are small. I'm edging towards the former.

[ORAC]

Might be because it’s calculated range is based on a Hi-Lo-Hi profile with a 200ft 1000nm/M0.85 ingress and 200ft 500nm/M0.55 egress.

https://fas.org/nuke/guide/usa/bomber/b1b-factbook.pdf

[Doctor Cruces]

Didn't Dale Brown do that in some of his books? B1s flying as missile arsenals with BVR missiles. Never meant to get into a fight, just shoot and withdraw.