A retired B-1B Lancer is soaring back into service.
According to National Interest, the U.S. Air Force is revitalizing "Rage," a mothballed B-1B Lancer bomber, to fortify its aerial arsenal.
In a strategic move by the Air Force, this particular aircraft, known affectionately as "Rage" and bearing the tail number 86-0115, marks the second of its kind to transition from retirement back to active duty. This regeneration effort addresses an urgent gap caused by another aircraft's demise due to a fire earlier this March.
A Strategic Decision for Aircraft Regeneration
The complex procedure of bringing back such an intricate piece of military equipment entails collaboration between the Air Force Global Strike Command and the Air Force Materiel Command.
This initiative is a calculated alternative after the replacement aircraft, with the tail number -0126, was abandoned due to prohibitive repair costs and timelines at Boeing-Palmdale.
The B-1B Lancer plays a critical role in America’s defense setup. Known for its capability to carry up to 75,000 pounds of munitions, it boasts the highest capacity amongst U.S. military bombers. This feature makes regenerating such aircraft a priority for maintaining national security.
The Technical and Tactical Value of Aircraft Regeneration
The Lancer is part of an esteemed trio of strategic bombers, which also includes the B-52 Stratofortress and the B-2 Spirit. Despite nearing retirement, with plans to eventually replace them with the advanced B-21 Raider, these bombers are indispensable for a few more years.
It’s worth noting that the U.S. Congress mandates a minimum of 92 strategic bombers to be in operational readiness. This requirement underscores the importance of each unit within the fleet, whether freshly manufactured or regenerated.
The regeneration process not only preserves these critical assets but also exemplifies a cost-effective approach to maintaining military readiness.
The “Boneyard”: A Repository for Potential Renewal
The "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona serves a significant role in this process. Managed by the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), this facility houses about 4,000 retired aircraft. These machines are classified into four categories based on their condition and potential utility for future missions or parts harvesting.
The decision to rejuvenate "Rage" stemmed from a detailed analysis by the Air Force. As explained by an Air Force spokesperson to Air & Space Forces Magazine, "At the request of Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Force Materiel Command is in the process of regenerating a B-1B to replace aircraft -0126, which was undergoing heavy structures repair development at Boeing-Palmdale. Analysis determined regenerating an aircraft in [309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG)] storage could be accomplished faster, at lower cost and risk, than continuing the Boeing repair project."
The spokesperson added that this process ensures that strategic capabilities are sustained efficiently, leveraging both existing resources and innovative restoration techniques.
Conclusion
By reintroducing retired B-1B Lancers like "Rage" into active service, the U.S. Air Force underscores its commitment to maintaining a robust strategic bomber force. Not only does this approach save time and money, it ensures that the U.S. continues to have a formidable aerial fortress ready at a moment's notice. This practice of regeneration is set to continue, providing a backbone for national security while new technologically superior aircraft are phased in.
