The Supersonic Bone: A Development and Operational History of the B-1 Bomber

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Synopsis
&“This profusely illustrated and thoroughly researched book conveys a wealth of information&” about the USAF&’s B-1 bomber (Aviation History Magazine). When the B-52 Stratofortress entered operational service with the US Air Force in 1955, work was already underway on defining its successor. The B-70 Valkyrie, a Mach 3 jet bomber, was one option. Although two XB-70A prototypes flew, the B-70 never went into production. Out of the subsequent Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft program came the B-1A bomber, which flew at high speed and low altitude to evade enemy air defenses. But the B-1A was cancelled in favor of fitting the B-52 with cruise missiles. The B-1, known as the BONE, was revived in 1981 as the improved B-1B to boost American military power and serve as a symbol of American strength at the peak of Cold War tensions. The B-1B entered service in 1986 with several deficiencies. The resolution of most of these issues coincided with the end of the Cold War. After the Cold War, the B-1B lost its primary nuclear mission but remained relevant by transforming into a high-speed, long-range, high-payload delivery platform for conventional precision-guided munitions. The first combat use of the B-1B was in 1998 in Iraq. The BONE has proved a highly effective combat aircraft in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and the former Yugoslavia. This extensively illustrated book traces the BONE&’s long development and operational history in detail. &“A must-read book . . . a great reference for historians, pilots, engineers, and even policy makers. Both the writing and photos are excellent.&” —Air & Space Power History
Copyright:
2022

Book Details

Book Quality:
Publisher Quality
Book Size:
400 Pages
ISBN-13:
9781399014724
Related ISBNs:
9781399014717
Publisher:
Pen & Sword Books
Date of Addition:
Copyrighted By:
Kenneth P. Katz
Adult content:
No
Language:
English
Has Image Descriptions:
No
Categories:
History, Military, Nonfiction
Submitted By:
Bookshare Staff
Usage Restrictions:
This is a copyrighted book.

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