Newsdesk – Military

LATEST PROPOSAL COULD BREATH NEW LIFE INTO B-1: Rockwell has proposed that the B-1 bomber be simplified in avionics and airframe to provide what will be a core aircraft to fulfil four distinctly different functions In SAC. By eliminating the swing-wing capability and restricting the aircraft to subsonic performance Rockwell estimates that the cost of the aircraft becomes much cheaper than any wide­ bodied alternative while providing a number of improvements in relative capability. The first option would be as a strategic weapon launcher. In this mode the 8-1 would be fitted with up to 30 ALCM. The second option is for a near-term penetrator. Fitted with two SAAM rotary launchers and 16 SAAM mis­ siles the B-1 would retain the sophisticated low-altitude TFR capability. The third option Is as a conventional bomber capable of carry­ ing a large assortment of conventional bombs including mines and various large ASMs such as Harpoon in the maritime role. Fourth option is that of the tanker. Rockwell es­timate that the revised, simplified fixed-wing B-1 would be between 50 per cent and 60 per cent cheaper than the originally conceiv­ ed aircraft on a production run of 100 air­ craft.

SUCCESSFUL F101 DFE TESTING CONTINUES: Development testing on the General Electric F101 DFE (Derivative Fighter Engine) is leading to flight testing of the engine in the F-14 and F-16 fighters in 1981.

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