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  • B-1B Lancers return to Indo-Pacific for bomber task force deployment

    Four bombers and approximately 200 Airmen from the 9th Bomb Squadron, 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, deployed to support Pacific Air Forces' training efforts with allies, partners and joint forces; and strategic deterrence missions to reinforce the rules-based international order in the

  • B-1B Lancers rotate into Andersen

    B-1B Lancers from the 34th Bomb Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D, have deployed here. The rotation was seamless for the 34th BS because they traded the rotation with another Ellsworth squadron, which left its bombers behind for them to use. “The support we’ve received from Andersen has been

  • B-1B makes impact throughout Southwest Asia

    Before late 2008, the B-1B Lancer was known primarily as a bomber, but since then the aircraft was modified to include the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod now provides nontraditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to ground forces. "Before the B-1B was equipped with the sniper pod, we

  • B-1B performs as never envisioned after 20 years

    May 2 marks 20 years since the last B-1B Lancer was delivered to the Air Force, and today commanders consider it one of the most valuable aircraft in Iraq.Since 2003, the once-nuclear-weapon-carrying bomber has maintained a continuous presence in Southwest Asia after the Air Force modified it to

  • B-1B returns to Arnold Air Force Base for store separation testing

    It had been nearly 20 years since a test involving the B-1B Lancer aircraft was conducted by Arnold Engineering Development Complex at Arnold Air Force Base. This long absence recently came to an end, as a 10-percent model of the bomber is now being used to conduct a series of store separation tests

  • B-1B simulators go from 'Mario Brothers to Halo'

    The Air Force is currently upgrading four B-1B Lancer simulators here and at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.The $18.4 million project, which is scheduled for completion in September, will fully update visual and sensor databases, as well as projectors and display screens, of the original system built

  • B-1B sniper pod aims to hit summer target

    Air Force officials say the B-1B Lancer sniper pod could be operational as early as this summer after accelerated testing cut the length of the sniper pod program from nine to three months. Air Force Materiel Command's Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base, along with Air

  • B-1B strikes Taliban stronghold

    A B-1B Lancer struck a Taliban-associated compound May 17 near Kandahar, Afghanistan, in support of coalition ground forces conducting operations to detain individuals suspected of terrorist activities. The bomber responded to an immediate air support request with a GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack

  • B-1B supports French, Afghan troops

    A B-1B Lancer dropped four Joint Direct Attack Munitions to help French and Afghan troops fighting against Taliban forces in Afghanistan on May 25.The 40th Air Expeditionary Group crew was patrolling south of Kabul as part of Operation Enduring Freedom when they received the call for

  • B-1Bs conduct flyover during Seoul ADEX 17

    Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted a flyover during the 2017 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition, also known as Seoul ADEX 17, at Seoul Airport, South Korea, Oct. 21, 2017.

  • B-1s return to flight

    The B-1B Lancer fleet returned to flight status Jan. 5 following a six-day grounding.Air Combat Command leaders halted flight operations for B-1Bs on Dec. 30 because of a possible nose landing gear problem.Concerns leading to the flight suspension have been addressed, command officials said.

  • B-2 accident report released

    Distorted data introduced by a B-2 Spirit's air data system skewed information entering the bomber's flight control computers ultimately causing the crash of the aircraft on takeoff at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 23, according to an Air Combat Command accident investigation report released

  • B-2 aircrew participates in exercise in Pacific

    Airmen aboard a B-2 Spirit tested their endurance in a 24-hour, 8,000-mile mission to Alaska and back to Guam March 12 in an exercise showcasing U.S. commitment to peace and stability throughout the Pacific region. Four B-2s and 270 Airmen from the 13th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron are deployed to

  • B-2 arrives at Whiteman AFB

    When 15-year John H. Belanger took his first flying lesson in Menominee, Mich., little did he realize he'd be making aviation history 27 years later by co-piloting the B-2 bomber during arrival ceremonies at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Nor did this lieutenant colonel realize exactly what he was

  • B-2 bomber excites crowd at Patriots game

    A sellout crowd of more than 68,000 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., erupted when a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., did a surprise flyover before the game. "It is a great deal for me as a pilot, especially since I am from here, and I think it is a great

  • B-2 bombers conduct extended deterrence mission to South Korea

    U.S. Strategic Command officials sent two B-2 Spirit bombers for a long-duration, round-trip training mission from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., to South Korea March 28 as part of the ongoing bilateral Foal Eagle training exercise.       The exercise demonstrates the commitment of the United States

  • B-2 crashes at Andersen

    Air Force officials here announced a B-2 Spirit crashed Feb. 23 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.Two pilots from the 509th Bomb Wing from Whiteman AFB, Mo., were on board and ejected. The pilots were evaluated by medical authorities and are in good condition.The B-2 was deployed to Andersen AFB from

  • B-2 drops 80 test bombs

    In an effort to increase the B-2 Spirit's operational capability, a test force here conducted an airborne release of 80 Joint Direct Attack Munitions separation test vehicles. The separation test vehicles are inert weapons used to collect data.The Aug. 6 test was one of more than nine sorties flown

  • B-2 drops 80 test JDAMs

    A B-2 Spirit bomber here released 80 inert joint direct attack munitions Sept. 10 for the first time, clearing the way for warfighters to attack that many individual targets on a single bomb run.After an 11-sortie buildup toward qualifying the B-2 for the maximum munitions load, B-2 global power

  • B-2 drops enhanced bombs during test

    A B-2 Spirit released two newly-upgraded 5,000-pound live weapons Aug. 14 in a test by the B-2 Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force here.The weapons were released over the Utah Testing and Training Range at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, marking the first successful drop of live GBU-28 B/B series

  • B-2 enforces no-fly zone

    One of three B-2 Spirit bombers returns to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., from a mission in support of enforcing Operation Odyssey Dawn no-fly zone over Libya March 20, 2011. The no-fly zone was imposed by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 authorizing military action. (U.S. Air

  • B-2 exercises 'spirit' through deployment

    B-2 Spirit bomber crews and support teams are in Guam to participate in Coronet Dragon 49, an exercise to test their deployment capabilities and the ability to fly and fight from a forward location. The exercise sent airmen from the 325th Bomb Squadron and 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base,

  • B-2 mission shows bomber flexibility

    Members of the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed here with B-2 Spirits from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., took off on a two-ship exercise destined to Alaska Dec. 18 when one bomber was diverted to a global power sortie. Global power missions, which are more than 20 hours long, demonstrate

  • B-2 pilot surpasses 1,000 hours mark

    A routine flying mission became a major achievement for the Missouri Air National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing when Maj. Luke Jayne surpassed 1,000 flying hours in the B-2 Spirit Sept. 14.

  • B-2 radar modernization program contract awarded

    Air Force officials awarded a production contract to the Northrop Grumman Corporation Dec. 29 for the B-2 stealth bomber radar modernization program. The production contract, with a target price of approximately $468 million, will provide advanced state-of-the-art radar components to ensure

  • B-2 reaches full operational capability

    The B-2 Spirit reached full operational capability status, Lt. Gen. Bruce Carlson announced Dec. 17 during a ceremony here. The event was marked by the Spirit of Missouri's re-enactment of its first delivery here 10 years ago."The B-2 Spirit is combat-proven. It's now officially fully

  • B-2 Spirit exceeds mission standard

    The B-2 Spirit exceeded Air Combat Command's fully mission capable rate standard of 51 percent in June, a feat not achieved since September 2004. Keeping the B-2 ready for war is an effort that requires the hard work and support of everyone who works on base, said Col. Bob Dulong, 509th Maintenance

  • B-2 Spirit flies over St. Louis

    There was a unique sight to behold over St. Louis Aug. 10 as an Air Force B-2 Spirit aircraft flew above the city as part of the celebration of the inaugural Air Force Week. The aircraft, which is based at the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., was trailed by a C-130J Hercules from the

  • B-2 Spirit integrates with NATO ally at Lajes Field

    Bomber Task Force missions are critical to ensuring Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen are capable of executing operations at the direction of the national command authority. By training in Europe, aircrew and Airmen are familiarizing themselves with the European theater and airspace, to enhance

  • B-2 strikes Baghdad communications tower

    An Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber shook downtown Baghdad after hitting a key communications facility with two precision-guided munitions March 27.Massive plumes of smoke and debris rose from the target, a large tower on the east bank of the Tigris River. Officials at Operation Iraqi Freedom's Combined

  • B-2 strikes key Iraqi communications facility

    A United States Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber targeted and struck a major link in Iraq's national communication network March 27.The communication link occupied a large tower on the east bank of the Tigris River in downtown Baghdad.The strike with two precision-guided munitions was to degrade the

  • B-21 bomber to be unveiled Dec. 2

    The Air Force confirmed Oct. 20 it plans to reveal the B-21 Raider Dec. 2 during an unveiling ceremony hosted and sponsored by the Northrop Grumman Corporation at its production facilities in Palmdale, California.

  • B-21 naming contest moves to next phase

    Submission entries for the B-21 bomber naming contest concluded May 5. Active, Guard, Reserve and civilian Airmen, along with their dependents, submitted more than 4,600 entries in response to the contest announced by Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James during the Air Force Association Air Warfare

  • B-21 Raider continues flight test, production

    Following its formal unveiling, Dec. 2, 2022, the B-21 Raider began flight testing here where it continues to make progress toward becoming the backbone of the U.S. Air Force bomber fleet.

  • B-21 Raider program holds weapons system critical design review

    The Air Force successfully held a critical design review of the B-21 weapon system November 28-30, 2018. The event served as a multi-disciplined technical review that ensured the Air Force’s newest bomber has a stable and mature design as the program moves forward into manufacturing and flight

  • B-21: Modernizing the bomber fleet

    Following the Air Force secretary’s announcement that the new long-range strike bomber would be called the B-21 Raider, Gen. Robin Rand, the Air Force Global Strike Command commander, said during a session at the Air Force Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference Sept. 19 the name brought the

  • B-24 gunner receives Purple Heart for heroism in WW II

    The scene in the rotunda of Randolph's Taj Mahal Aug. 21 probably seemed like too much hoopla to one former Army Air Corps staff sergeant. But all the TV cameras and reporters there to capture the moment, the remarks by an Air Force major general and the admiration shown by servicemembers and

  • B-24 pilot receives DFC, Air Medal

    A B-24 bomber pilot has finally received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal he earned in World War II. The presentation took place during a ceremony here recently that relived the perils airmen faced during the 1940s.Then a first lieutenant, Kenneth Kinsinger earned the Distinguished

  • B-2s arrive at Andersen

    More than 240 Airmen from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., arrived here in late February to support the deployment of B-2 Spirits as part of the continuous bomber presence here.The Airmen and aircraft replaced the servicemembers and the B-52 Stratofortresses deployed here from Barksdale AFB, La.

  • B-2s deploy to Guam

    Four B-2 Spirits from the 393rd Bomb Squadron, deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., arrived here Oct. 7 as part of a continuous bomber presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. A dramatic leap

  • B-2s provide bomber presence in Guam

    A contingent of four bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., is providing both an increase in forces and a security presence to the 36th Air Expeditionary Wing at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam -- making one of the U.S. military's most unique aircraft ready at a moment's notice. "In simpler terms,

  • B-2s ready to fly despite safety pause

    Although B-2 Spirit flying operations remain in temporary pause, the Airmen and aircraft are ready and capable to generate missions if necessary, according to Air Combat Command officials here and the 509th Bomb Wing commander at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Since the first-ever B-2 crash Feb. 23 at

  • B-2s return to flight after safety pause

    A B-2 Spirit made a successful return to flight April 15 here after a 53-day safety pause for the aircraft following the first-ever crash of a stealth bomber Feb. 23 in Guam. While an accident investigation board is still ongoing, Air Force and Air Combat Command maintenance and safety experts gave

  • B-2s stay in shape with exercises

    The 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron has spent the past three weeks refining the skills necessary to maintain the B-2 Spirit, one of the world’s most advanced weapon systems. During exercises Valiant Shield, continuing through June 23, and Northern Edge, which ran from June 5 to 16, B-2 aircrew

  • B-2s train with JTACs, drop bombs on target

    The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber deployed here practiced weapons drops in the Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii Oct. 23 without using built in state of the art targeting system. This time, the fliers were conducting operations with joint terminal attack controllers on the ground to allow the specially

  • B-52 accident report released

    An improper stabilizer trim setting caused the July 21 crash of a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft northwest of Guam, according to an Air Combat Command accident investigation board report released Feb. 13. Analysis of aircraft parts found during salvage operations revealed the aircraft's stabilizer

  • B-52 aids ground troops under small arms fire

    A B-52 Stratofortress from the 40th Air Expeditionary Group dropped three joint-direct attack munitions recently on a cave of anti-coalition forces in Afghanistan, killing two and leading to the capture of 10 others by coalition ground forces.The mission was one of 22 close-air support and armed

  • B-52 aircraft to use AFRL hydraulic fluids

    A fire-resistant hydraulic fluid Air Force Research Laboratory experts here developed will now be used in more than 90 percent of B-52 Stratofortress bomber components, increasing the aircraft's survivability and operational safety.In the past, B-52s used a flammable, petroleum-based hydraulic

  • B-52 aircrews hone long-range ISR capabilities

    Airmen from Air Force Global Strike Command recently took advantage of a multinational U.S.. Southern Command-led exercise to hone their long-range reconnaissance capabilities. The 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, flew a B-52 Stratofortress bomber on a nonstop mission from the

  • B-52 bomber crews complete live-fire training with Army in Hawaii

    During two separate days, two B-52 bomber crews coordinated with members of the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron and U.S. Army Pacific 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade Combat Team joint terminal attack controllers, also known as JTACs, to deliver a mixed payload of unguided,

  • B-52 completes successful hypersonic kill chain employment

    During the more than 13-hour sortie from Barksdale AFB to Alaska and back, the B-52 was able to receive target data from sensors via the All-Domain Operations Capability experiment, or ADOC-E, more than 1,000 nautical miles away miles away at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

  • B-52 conducts long-range training with Colombian forces

    A B-52 Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, conducted a long-range training sortie to engage with South American military partners April 1-2. During the course of the 27-hour, nonstop mission, the aircrew trained with the Colombian air force before executing a flyover of the

  • B-52 crashes off coast of Guam

    A B-52 Stratofortress crashed today at approximately  9:45 a.m. local time off the northwest coast of Guam. Emergency responders are on  scene working to locate the six crewmembers on board. No information is available regarding the status of the crew.The B-52 was deployed to Andersen AFB from

  • B-52 crews use 'smart-guided' cluster bomb

    Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crews made history April 2 when they dropped six sensor-fused cluster bombs on a column of Iraqi tanks headed south out of Baghdad.The bombing runs resulted in the destruction of the tanks and marked the first time in history that CBU-105 Wind Corrected Munitions

  • B-52 dons new upgrade

    Aircrews flying the Air Force's oldest aircraft can now better verify targets and pick them themselves thanks to experts integrating a targeting pod on the B-52 Stratofortress.Maj. Keith Colmer, one of the original operational test pilots here for the Litening II targeting pod that was developed for

  • B-52 flight uses synthetic fuel in all eight engines

    A B-52 Stratofortress took off Dec. 15 on a flight-test mission using a blend of synthetic fuel and JP-8 in all eight engines. This is the first time a B-52 has flown using a synfuel blend as the only fuel on board. In September, the Air Force successfully flew a B-52 with two-engines using the

  • B-52 gets new sniper pod

    The 2nd Bomb Wing made its first live run with a new addition to the aging bomber.With constant upgrades bringing the more than 60 year-old bomber into the 21st century, the addition of the sniper pod gives the B-52H Stratofortress better integration with ground forces and laser-guided bombs for

  • B-52 integrates, trains with French allies

    A B-52 Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, conducted a long-range training sortie April 20, to train and integrate with the French air force.

  • B-52 lands at Moscow air show

    One of the most famous Cold War icons, the B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber, landed here Aug. 20 to participate in the 6th Moscow Space and Aviation Show. This is the first public display in Russia for the B-52, an aircraft designed to deliver nuclear bombs into the former Soviet Union during

  • B-52 Litening II pod used in combat

    For the first time in combat history, a B-52 Stratofortress used a Litening II targeting pod to strike targets at an airfield in northern Iraq on April 11, according to officials at the U.S. Central Command's combined air operations center.Using the Litening II system,a crew of reservists from the

  • B-52 pilot still flying high after 33 years

    During the evacuation of Quang Tri in 1972, 1st Lt. Bill Jankowski, an O2-A pilot, flew out of DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, to find enemy targets and bring air support assistance to South Vietnamese who were resisting North Vietnamese. Quang Tri had Americans within the area, and Jankowski's role was

  • B-52 presence welcomed by U.S., coalition forces

    Thirty thousand feet above Afghan terrain, the presence of B-52 Stratofortresses is felt. Their presence is welcomed by U.S. and coalition forces fighting in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, but not welcomed by the terrorists who operate from there. Maintaining the fleet of B-52s here is no

  • B-52 sees biggest improvement in 15 years

    After three years of planning, Air Force flight test experts here introduced a new offensive avionics system for the B-52 Stratofortress.Flight testing of the B-52 Avionics Midlife Improvement, known as AMI, began in mid-December and is scheduled to continue through March 2004, with 80 sorties

  • B-52 simulator plays big role in exercise

    A B-52 Stratofortress simulator is allowing 11th Bomb Squadron students to train with Soldiers and Airmen near Fort Polk, La., taking part in the live fire portion of exercise Air Warrior II. The simulator provides Airmen here a unique training opportunity -- and an alternative to participating in

  • B-52 simulators receive overhaul

    With 19 years and more than 3,000 flying hours piloting the B-52 Stratofortress, Lt. Col. Tom Silvia is the right person to ensure the bomber' s simulator is realistic as overhauls are completed to bring it up to date.Realism was lacking previously in the simulators, the colonel said. The view of

  • B-52 still a force to be reckoned with

    More than 50 years after the first B-52 bomber rolled off a Boeing assembly line, the Stratofortress is still making believers out of those who would oppose the United States.The latest convert? Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.The B-52H has topped 100 missions flown in support of Operation Iraqi

  • B-52 Stratofortress ages like wine

    First deployed in 1955, the B-52 Stratofortress is already twice the age of many Airmen who maintain it. Despite its age, Airmen assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing here have an affinity for flying and maintaining this Air Force legacy aircraft and recognize its relevance today. "She gets finer with age

  • B-52 Stratofortress joins coalition team

    U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrived at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 9, in support of theater requirements and Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and the threat they pose to Iraq,

  • B-52 takes part in joint training 'down under'

    The Air Force will send a B-52 and KC-135, operating from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin later this week to take part in short term joint training with the RAAF. The B-52 is assigned to Andersen AFB as part of U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Air Force

  • B-52 testers complete leaflet bomb drops

    An important part of U.S. military operations overseas is communicating with the local population. This can be done in a number of ways including something as simple as distributing leaflets.  In psychological operations, leaflets with messages are often dropped from aircraft in order to reach a

  • B-52 tests alternative jet engine fuel

    The Air Force accomplished another aviation first when a B-52 Stratofortress flew using an alternative fuel Sept. 19. The flight test involved running two of the bomber's engines on a synthetic fuel, made from a 50-50 blend of traditional crude oil-based fuel and a Fischer-Tropsch fuel derived from

  • B-52 undergoes HERO testing at Edwards AFB

    A B-52 Stratofortress from the 96th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, is undergoing Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance testing in the Benefield Anechoic Facility (BAF) here.

  • B-52 undergoes synthetic-fuel cold weather testing

    A B-52 Stratofortess powered by a mix of synthetic fuel arrived here Jan. 17 for cold-weather testing, the last step in the testing and certification process to help reduce Air Force dependence on imported fuel. The aircraft, permanently assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing here, will undergo ground

  • B-52 undergoes worldwide testing

    The B-52H Avionics Midlife Improvement project recently completed two missions to test new hardware and software upgrades in extreme conditions around the world.The missions were part of the research and developmental test for the project before it moves to operational test and evaluation, allowing

  • B-52 upgrade to increase smart-weapons capacity

    Tinker AFB Airmen will update ground maintenance and mission planning software in support of a new Air Force contract that will increase the B-52 Stratofortress's "smart-weapons" capacity by 50 percent.

  • B-52 veteran recalls close call on Desert Storm mission

    “Pilot, we have a lock-on,” the B-52 Stratofortress electronic warfare officer called out in surprise. Capt. Jim Bowles, a B-52 instructor pilot, gritted his teeth, looked downward and sure enough, an SA-6 surface-to-air missile had been launched in his direction.

  • B-52H reaches retirement

    The first B-52H Stratofortress reaches retirement after more than 45 years of dedicated service to the country July 24 here on its final flight to Davis-Monthan  Air Force Base, Ariz. "It is a truly sad time when we decommission a plane," said Lt. Col. Bill Stahl, 5th Maintenance Group deputy