CMP.WERNER@UTEXAS-20.ARPA@sri-unix.UUCP (08/30/84)
From: Werner Uhrig <CMP.WERNER@UTEXAS-20.ARPA> NewsFlash from LateNight A B1 crashed Wednesday in the Mojave Desert during low-level (?) maneuvering tests - first crash ever of this aircraft, which leaves 3 flying models. Crew ejected, pilot dead, 2 hurt. It was a B1-B, the same model which is to start rolling off the assembly line next Tuesday. -------
jcp@brl-tgr.ARPA (Joe Pistritto <jcp>) (08/31/84)
The B1 that crashed was NOT a B1-B, it was one of the four prototype B1-A aircraft that had been modified with some B1-B systems integrated with it, (a flying testbed). Apparently the crew was flying very close to the ground when the 'accident' occurred, (whatever it was), that caused the crash. Speculation is that the 'penetrator' mode of the flight control system which allows very low level, low speed flight, (kind of like a really BIG cruise missle) was being tested... -JCP-