The upgraded multiple ejector rack now being evaluated will increase the number of JDAMs carried by a B-1B from 15 to 48, a 320 percent increase in capability. (USAF photo)
Posted on 04/12/2011 6:27:44 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
B-1B Lancer Upgrade Will Triple Payload
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --- Airmen from the 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron began their first phase of demonstrations of a multiple ejector rack on a B-1B Lancer here March 22.
If fielded, 16-carry modified rotary launchers will increase the number of 500-pound Joint Direct Attack Munitions and laser-guided JDAMs carried by the B-1B from 15 to 48, a 320 percent increase in capability.
"Currently a B-1 can deliver twice the payload of a B-52 (Stratofortress), meaning, theoretically, with the MER upgrade, one B-1 will be able to deliver the same amount of payload as four B-52s," said Col. Gerald Goodfellow, the 7th Operations Group commander.
Also, the MER has a mixed-load capability, meaning each bomb bay can hold an assortment of joint air-to-surface stand-off missiles, and both 2,000-pound and 500-pound JDAMs, giving the aircrew much greater flexibility during combat missions.
"The war we are in requires target specific weaponry that is capable of destroying a single room of a building," said Tech Sgt. David Koscienski, the 337th TES weapons suitability NCO in charge. "With the addition of the MER, B-1 operators have the ability to conduct numerous individual attacks and massive air-strikes as needed, without needing to stop to reload."
Aircrews from the 337th TES and 419th Flight Test Squadron from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., flew a Dyess AFB B-1B equipped with a MER and successfully released two inert 500-pound JDAMs over China Lake Missile Range, Calif, March 22. An additional mission was also successfully flown March 24 to test drop the weapons again.
"The B-1 is absolutely a choice war-fighting platform considering it can carry multiple weapons, each with specific capabilities, and deploy those weapons at a moment's notice," Sergeant Koscienski said. "The adaptation of the MER, along with the Sniper pod and laser-guided JDAMS, will only increase that same lethal capability to an even greater level."
The purpose of the 16-carry demonstration program is to validate the release and safe separation of 500-pound class weapons from a modified B-1B rotary launcher.
"This upgrade will not only save the Air Force money, but will also put less of our Airmen at risk; and that is our main priority," Colonel Goodfellow said.
-ends-
The upgraded multiple ejector rack now being evaluated will increase the number of JDAMs carried by a B-1B from 15 to 48, a 320 percent increase in capability. (USAF photo)
Apparently they don't have math classes at journalism school. 48/15 = 3.2, or 320% of the original amount. Since you start at 100% that means you have a 220% increase.
Surprisingly poor headline, considering the sources. Payload is the amount of weight an airplane can carry. This mod is allowing for extra bombs to be carried on ejector racks. Oh well, neat mod anyway.
They ought to call it the Mahmoud Eradicator.
OK, but what does this do to range and performance?
Look, more bombs are nice, but there is nothing more sexy than the B-1R bomber on super cruise with 20 anti-aircraft missiles to boot.
I remember way back when...I talked with a coworker who had been a bomb loader on B-1s and I was shocked to learn that the B-1B had a larger payload than the B-52. I had the opportunity to see a B-52 at the Museum at Robins AFB in GA and it was friggin huge! It sounds like this new rack will greater utilize the volume of the bomb bay and allow the bomber that Carter tried to eliminate to utilize much more of its potential.
"During the 1976 federal election campaign, Jimmy Carter made it one of the Democratic Party's platforms, saying "The B-1 bomber is an example of a proposed system which should not be funded and would be wasteful of taxpayers' dollars."
Nice rack.
The Israelis need some of these.
Yup. That seems like a no brainer upgrade.
Yup. That seems like a no brainer upgrade.
Betcha Obummer, in his speech tomorrow, will propose cutting these upgrades.
I'll take that bet and win. Obama never discusses specifics. He'll speak in sweeping generalities so both his drones and opponents hear what they want to hear. The man has made a career out of it.
LOL....Jimmuh proven wrong again. Was there ANYTHING that he was actually correct about as president??
Wait for the Brady bunch to question the need for so many rounds...
In 1989, I was at flight school, a B-1 made a high speed pass.........damn impressive.
ME - makes it a great acronym for all kinds of obvious targets. Love this plane.
In this AC, that crusty old blowhard has all the legacy any man needs!
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