B1-R

[Unzen]

Actually saw this on the Military channel mentioned in the clip below:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFsYcK5lWrQ

Based on the veteran B1-B airframe, it looks like an ideal stand-off platform to assist the likes of the F-22s, with heavily loaded pylons of AAMs.

Maybe a bit too new for the Harpoon theatre, though?

[CV32]

ORIGINAL: Unzen
Based on the veteran B1-B airframe, it looks like an ideal stand-off platform to assist the likes of the F-22s, with heavily loaded pylons of AAMs.

It is an interesting concept, for sure.

You might be interested in reading Barrett Tillman's novel, "The Sixth Battle", in which AMRAAM loaded B-1s (16 missiles apiece) carry out a surprise interception of a Backfire raid.

I also note that some old Harpoon Classic scenarios had a fictional Tu-22MP, an AA-9 Amos armed version of the Backfire bomber. It made Soviet bomber raids even nastier than usual.

[TonyE]

Yep, a nifty dream platform (get your Platform Editor out gents) but the chances of the US doing that are right there next to zero.  There just isn't money or justification for new build B-1s, let along majorly redesigned B-1s.
 
I hope to have the Tu-22MP make a re-appearance in a scenario or two that I'm ever so slowly working on.  That bird definitely shows how scary an "air to air bomber" can be [:)].
 
 

[Warhorse64]

Oi ... that sounds like a very expensive disaster waiting to happen. The tactic described will only work as long as the side the B-1s are on has a major advantage in both detection range and missile range.

[Unzen]

ORIGINAL: Warhorse64

Oi ... that sounds like a very expensive disaster waiting to happen. The tactic described will only work as long as the side the B-1s are on has a major advantage in both detection range and missile range.

Maybe. The B1 would certainly lack any 'stealth' benefits as I always thought one of its key advantages was the terrain hugging when flying to the bomb target? Being way up there and mixing it with the best opposition fighters of the day, isn't a seat I'd like to be buckled into!

I also would have thought the AAMs would be much better placed inside the bomb bay of the B1 - rather than be slung on the underside of the airframe? If the AAM's range was increased and with the backup of some decent AWACS support, I could see the potential in something like the B1-R. It would certainly have the speed as well to turn-tail and head for home once it had let rip with all of its AAMs as well.

And lets face it. In the current days of aircraft looking awful to fulfill their roles (the F-117 and F-22 will never win any beauty awards) - the B1 still looks sleek and dare I say it, graceful?

[CV32]

ORIGINAL: Warhorse64
Oi ... that sounds like a very expensive disaster waiting to happen. The tactic described will only work as long as the side the B-1s are on has a major advantage in both detection range and missile range.

In the fictional situations I mentioned, the AAM armed bombers were used either to (1) attack virtually defenseless bombers at a place and time they could not have anticipated; or (2) serve as long range escorts and penetration aids for the same defenseless bombers. Pretty narrow set of circumstances.