B-1 Bomber Goes on Alert Status, Marking Start of Plane’s Operation

The first of the nation’s new fleet of B-1 bombers went on full-alert status Wednesday, marking the beginning of regular operation for the once-canceled plane since its resurrection five years ago.

“The important revitalization of our bomber force continues on track,” said Gen. Lawrence A. Skantze, the commander of the Air Force Systems Command.

“I am pleased to announce that today at Dyess Air Force Base, Tex., the first B-1B is now standing constant alert. Fourteen other B-1B’s are also at Dyess, an operational unit of the Strategic Air Command. Achieving this initial operational capability in only five years is a major accomplishment.”

Can Evade Radar

The B-1 is the first long-range strategic bomber to be developed by the United States in 30 years. The swing-wing, four-engine jet can fly at supersonic speeds and is equipped with sophisticated navigation and radar systems that allow it to hug the ground and evade radar.

Starting in the late 1980s, the Air Force plans to begin retiring the aging B-52 bombers that now form the heart of the nation’s bomber force. They will be replaced by 100 B-1B’s and 132 of the new radar-evading stealth bombers, which are in the final stages of development.

Former President Jimmy Carter canceled the B-1 program in 1977, opting instead to improve the capabilities of the B-52 bomber force by developing and deploying air-launched cruise missiles. President Reagan reversed that decision in October, 1981, saying the nation’s strategic arsenal required not only the cruise missile but also a new bomber force.

Five Planes Have Problems

Skantze, appearing at a Pentagon briefing, acknowledged the Air Force had encountered some problems in introducing the B-1B to the active force. While all 15 of the planes now at Dyess could fly in an emergency, three planes are still awaiting some of their sophisticated electronic jamming equipment, and two of the planes are having minor fuel leaks fixed, he said.