I might have a few reservations wrt using a B1B as a ground attack vehicle. In a close support role, it is likely that they are a large target if there is effective opposition either from ground./shoulder based weapons or opposition aircraft. They might be more valuable in a heavy bomber role that they were designed for instead of a ground attack aircraft that might require a different training track.
I like it too. But the patent itself may be an "Area Denial Weapon." If you come up with an interesting idea, even if you have no good use for it right now, you file the patent. That way, your competitors can't use the idea.
The B-1 may not be the ideal platform for close air support, but the now-patented concept may be applied to any other aircraft that Boeing may or may not actually be working on.
Better yet, one of their competitors is working on. Now they have to come to Boeing for licensing, or design around their patent.
I'm thinking this is another Hollywood influenced idea. Reminds me of some of the stuff from Star Wars. Creative ideas are out there. If it works, kills the bad guys and saves American troops, I'm all for it.
A cruising speed of 647 mph. Mach 1.25. Several series went mach 2.2.
B-1B “Lancer”
BY BOEING
The B-1B is the improved variant of the B-1A, which was cancelled in 1977. The program was resurrected in 1981 with the first production model flying in 1984. The B-1B was delivered to the Air Force in 1985.
The B-1B’s blended wing/body configuration, variable-geometry design, and turbofan engines continue to provide great range and high speed, more than 900 mph at sea level. Forward wing settings are used for takeoff, landings, and high-altitude maximum cruise. Swept wing settings are used in high subsonic and supersonic flight and also enhance the B-1B’s maneuverability.
The B-1B employs forward-looking radar and terrain-following radar. Its extremely accurate Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System, Doppler radar, and radar altimeter enable aircrews to navigate around the world without ground-based navigation aids.
The Museum’s B-1B, serial number 83-0069, was flown to Robins AFB in 2002 and is marked as 86-0098, a B-1B that was assigned to the Georgia Air National Guard’s 116th Bombardment Wing.
SPECIFICATIONS: Span: 136 ft. 8 in., 78 ft. 2 in. (spread) Length: 146 ft. Height: 34 ft. Weight: 477,000 loaded Armament: Up to 84 Mk-82 GPU bombs, 30 CBU-87/89 cluster bombs or 24 GBU-31 JDAMs Engines: Four General Electric F101-GE-102 afterburning turbofans of 30,000 lbs. thrust ea. Serial Number: 83-0069
PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed: 1,390 mph. Cruising speed: 647 mph. Range: 6,100 miles Service ceiling: 60,000 ft.
I always thought the B1 design was very... Odd? For a bomber role. The cannon option makes sense, allowing it to potentially perform more roles, or defend itself.
I always thought the B1 design was very... Odd? For a bomber role. The cannon option makes sense, allowing it to potentially perform more roles, or defend itself.
It is moving too fast. I have a hard time understanding sticking a gun out at hyper sonic speeds. The plane is designed to carry heavy loads very quickly. World record quickly.
I call BS. I can see a patent filed for a "by chance" payoff scenario.
Originally posted by Tony Kania: It is moving too fast. I have a hard time understanding sticking a gun out at hyper sonic speeds. The plane is designed to carry heavy loads very quickly. World record quickly.
I thought the same thing. How accurate is a cannon going 500 mph. What was the most effective was the Howitzers mounted in under 90mph C 47s. They could fly circles around a football stadium. B1 would be hard pressed to stay inside city limits.
Originally posted by Tony Kania: It is moving too fast. I have a hard time understanding sticking a gun out at hyper sonic speeds. The plane is designed to carry heavy loads very quickly. World record quickly.
I call BS. I can see a patent filed for a "by chance" payoff scenario.
If I am wrong, let me know. 😝
Won't say you are wrong but weapon guidance systems have come a long way in the last 30 years.
I would not be surprised at almost anything. Our old armor used to have to stop to fire accurately, now they can hit targets at high speeds on rough terrain and do it faster repeatedly than anything around during Vietnam Nam. Elon Musk has reusable rockets that land on legs softly. No one thought this was possible a decade ago...
Rams
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 05-15-2018).]
I really doubt they intend to strafe at 500 mph. Does anybody know the lowest speed a B1 can fly at? That'd be the ground attack speed. I know most ground attack aircraft (except the A-10) are capable of much higher speeds than what they use for ground attack. Even Roger's F-4 was capable of Mach 2, but I doubt he did ground attack at that speed.
But like Blackrams said, with modern targeting systems, we sure can only guess at the actual capabilities.
The B-1 has no business as a ground attack aircraft. But it could sneak up behind a Russian bomber somewhere far out in the Pacific or over the North Pole and completely ruin it's day. Or as self defense like the tail gun on a B-52.
I really doubt they intend to strafe at 500 mph. Does anybody know the lowest speed a B1 can fly at? That'd be the ground attack speed. I know most ground attack aircraft (except the A-10) are capable of much higher speeds than what they use for ground attack. Even Roger's F-4 was capable of Mach 2, but I doubt he did ground attack at that speed.
But like Blackrams said, with modern targeting systems, we sure can only guess at the actual capabilities.
I agree. While I doubt it will even be built, I believe the whole idea was to copyright the concept, just in case. Boeing now owns it .
