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First flight of the B-1
marked the beginning of several years of flight testing, which
will ultimately include all four B-1 test aircraft. This flight
test program, in keeping with the Department of Defense
"try-before-buy" policy, is one of the most comprehensive ever
developed for a military aircraft. It will provide nearly two
years of extensive test data before the award of initial
production contracts.
Two B-1 prototypes are currently flying at Edwards AFB, with
flights scheduled up to four times per month for each aircraft.
This allows time f or Air Force and contractor engineers to
assimilate the extensive amount of test data gathered on each
flight.
Flights during the early portion of the program were built one
upon the other to clear the B-1 for initial operation and
performance of its primary penetration mission. This required
the aircraft to fly at terrain- following altitudes at nearly
the speed of sound.
The two B-1 aircraft have successfully completed nearly 200
hours of flight testing. Flight test accomplishments to date
include:
• Top speed of 2.1 Mach (approximately 1,350 mph; 2,160 kmh)
• Top altitude of 50,000 feet (15,240 meters)
• Demonstration of low altitude penetration capability,
including flight at .83 Mach (approximately 625 mph; 1,006 kmh)
at 200 feet (61 meters) above ground
• Full wing sweep
• Aerial refuelings to maximum inflight gross weight
• Maximum weight takeoff
• Assisted and unassisted engine airstarts
• Maximum speed landing gear operation
• Manual terrain following radar evaluation
• Weapons bay door operation while carrying eight inert Short
Range Attack Missiles (SRAM)
• Flutter and flying qualities evaluations
Five test pilots have been checked out in the B-1, including one
representing the Strategic Air Command/Air Force Test and
Evaluation Center. |
