B-1 Lancer
Mission
Carrying the largest payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multimission B-1 is the backbone of America’s long-range bomber force. It can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and nonprecision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time.
Features
The B-1’s blended wing/body configuration, variable-geometry wings and turbofan after-burning engines, combine to provide long range maneuverability and high speed while enhancing survivability.
Forward wing settings are used for takeoff, landings, air refueling and in some high-altitude weapons employment scenarios.
Aft wing sweep settings, the main combat configuration, are typically used during high subsonic and supersonic flight, enhancing the B-1’s maneuverability in the low- and high-altitude regimes.
The B-1’s speed and superior handling characteristics allow it to seamlessly integrate in mixed force packages. These capabilities, when combined with its substantial payload, excellent radar
targeting system, long loiter time and survivability, make the B-1 a key element of any joint/composite strike force. The B-1 is a highly versatile, multimission weapon system.
The B-1’s synthetic aperture radar is capable of tracking, targeting
and engaging moving vehicles, as well as self-targeting and terrain-following modes.
In addition, an extremely accurate Global Positioning System-aided Inertial Navigation System enables the aircrew to navigate without the aid of ground-based navigation aids, as well as engage targets
with a high level of precision.
The addition of a fully integrated data link with Link-16 capability provides improved battlefield situation awareness and secure beyond line of sight reach back connectivity. In a time sensitive targeting environment, the aircrew can use targeting data received from the Combined Air Operations Center or other command and control assets to strike emerging targets rapidly and efficiently.
C-17 Globemaster II
Mission
The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area.
The aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations when required. The inherent flexibility and performance of the C-17 force improve the ability of the total airlift system to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the United States.
The ultimate measure of airlift effectiveness is the ability to rapidly project and sustain an effective combat force close to a potential battle area. Threats to U.S. interests have changed in recent years, and the size and weight of U.S.- mechanized firepower and equipment have grown in response to improved capabilities of potential adversaries. This trend has significantly increased air mobility requirements, particularly in the area of large or heavy outsize cargo. As a result, newer and more flexible airlift aircraft are needed to meet potential armed contingencies, peacekeeping or humanitarian missions worldwide.
The C-17 is capable of meeting today’s demanding airlift missions.
Features
Reliability and maintainability are two outstanding benefits of the C-17 system. Current operational requirements impose demanding reliability and maintainability.