USAF B-1B 34th BS "Thunderbirds"

The B-1B Lancer is an American long-range strategic bomber with a semi-shell structure with variable wing geometry developed by Rockwell International (now Boeing). Together with the B-52 and B-2 planes, it is the basis of American strategic bomber aviation. The concept of a long-range bomber exceeding 2M was born in the USAF around 1965. In response to this demand, Rockwell established the ancestor of the B-1B, the B-1A, which was flown in December 1974. However, with Carter assuming the chairmanship of the US President, the program was canceled. The program was relaunched in 1981, with the first serial B-1B reaching the linear units in 1984, with the last serial versions arriving in 1988. A total of 100 B-1B Lancer were produced. In 2003, 67 aircraft remained in service until at least 2020. The B-1B Lancer undergoes constant modifications, mainly consisting in the replacement of electronic warfare systems and the possibility of carrying guided weapons. The planes were used in combat