How Do You Identify A B-1 Lancer?
The US Air Force’s B-1 Lancer is the largest aircraft ever to reach supersonic speeds. North American Aviation (builder of the legendary P-51 and F-86 and now a part of Boeing) has delivered 100 of the long-range, strategic bombers to the US Air Force. Look for a large aircraft. Notice the paint. It will be a dull gray-blue, a hue that decreases visibility. Check the length. The B-1B appears quite long in relation to its wingspan. Look at the tail. Check for the disproportionately large tail cone. Note that the horizontal stabilizer elements will be attached an appreciable distance above the base of the vertical stabilizer. Remember, the B-1B looks different in flight than it appears on the ground. The Lancer’s adjustable wings can be extended to near-right angles from the fuselage or they can be swept back for high-speed maneuvers. Look at the fuselage closely. It has a very complex shape. Note the small triangular canards angling down from the nose cone. Check the side view. The B-1B
