B-1B: The Lancer's 50th Year

The US Air Force Global Strike command has three bomber types at its disposal. One is the Rockwell B-1B Lancer, the others are the Northrop B-2A Spirit and the Boeing B-52H Stratofortress. Interestingly, the fastest of these, and the aircraft which carries the largest bomb load – the B-1B – is also in some respects the least important and is due to be the first to be retired.

As B-1B enters its 50th year in service, this 116-page complete guide by the team behind Combat Aircraft Journal to the bomber nicknamed the Bone details its full story from drawing board to global peacekeeper.