[sci.military] Where are the B-1s?

tborge@viewlogic.com (Tom Borge) (01/19/91)

From: tborge@viewlogic.com (Tom Borge)

Why isn't the United States using B-1 bombers in Iraq?  Are they grounded? 
Temporarily or permanently?  I seem to recall a number of crashes one or
two years
ago, were the B-1s grounded because of those crashes?  Just curious.

Thanks in advance
Tom Borge Viewlogic systems

tborge@buck.viewlogic.com

This question in no way represents the opinions of Viewlogic 

warack@dip.eecs.umich.edu (Christopher Warack) (01/21/91)

From: warack@dip.eecs.umich.edu (Christopher Warack)

B-52 squadrons are trained for EITHER conventional or nuclear role (some
wings are dual role, I think).  I believe the B-1's are only trained for a
strategic role.  So, although the plane could do the job, the crews aren't
trained for it.  Besides, the B-1's advantage over the B-52 is its ability
to penetrate sophisticated air defenses.  It's not needed in Op Desert
Storm.  Let's get the mileage out of the B-52's while we can.

Chris

THESE ARE MY PERSONAL OPINIONS.  Caveat Emptor.  These are not meant to
reflect the positions of any organization I am affiliated with.
--
Christopher A. Warack                   warack@eecs.umich.edu
Graduate Dept, EECS			(313) 665-4789
University of Michigan