A B-1B Lancer takes off from Edwards Air Force Base, California, February 15, 2024. (DVIDS)
The US Air Force is dramatically enhancing the firepower of its B-1B Lancer bomber with the recent successful testing of a new, highly adaptable weapons external pylon.
The Load Adaptable Modular (LAM) pylon has demonstrated the ability to increase the bomber’s weapon capacity by a staggering 50 percent, catapulting the B-1B into a more potent and versatile combat platform, ready to meet the challenges of modern warfare head-on.
According to its press release posted Monday, August 5, the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, California, recently tested the LAM pylon capable of carrying a wide array of existing and emerging weapons.
Equipped on a B-1B assigned to the wing’s 419th Flight Test Squadron, it has proven its unparalleled flexibility.
It has already been tested with a 2,000-pound (909 kilogram) GBU-31 and is certified to carry the massive 5,000-pound (2,272 kilogram) GBU-72 Joint Direct Attack Munition.
“The LAM testing is one of several ways teams at Edwards are working with private industry to provide an innovative increase in test infrastructure,” the service wrote.
Boeing, the pylon’s developer, has even previously suggested that it could handle weapons as heavy as 7,500 pounds (3,409 kilograms).
With the potential to carry 24 Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missiles internally and an additional 12 on LAM pylons or a combination of other high-powered weapons, the B-1B is not just a formidable adversary in modern warfare but also a pioneer in preparing for future threats.
The US Air Force is dramatically enhancing the firepower of its B-1B Lancer bomber with the recent successful testing of a new, highly adaptable weapons external pylon.
The Load Adaptable Modular (LAM) pylon has demonstrated the ability to increase the bomber’s weapon capacity by a staggering 50 percent, catapulting the B-1B into a more potent and versatile combat platform, ready to meet the challenges of modern warfare head-on.
According to its press release posted Monday, August 5, the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, California, recently tested the LAM pylon capable of carrying a wide array of existing and emerging weapons.
Equipped on a B-1B assigned to the wing’s 419th Flight Test Squadron, it has proven its unparalleled flexibility.
It has already been tested with a 2,000-pound (909 kilogram) GBU-31 and is certified to carry the massive 5,000-pound (2,272 kilogram) GBU-72 Joint Direct Attack Munition.
“The LAM testing is one of several ways teams at Edwards are working with private industry to provide an innovative increase in test infrastructure,” the service wrote.
Boeing, the pylon’s developer, has even previously suggested that it could handle weapons as heavy as 7,500 pounds (3,409 kilograms).
With the potential to carry 24 Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missiles internally and an additional 12 on LAM pylons or a combination of other high-powered weapons, the B-1B is not just a formidable adversary in modern warfare but also a pioneer in preparing for future threats.
B-1B Takes Center Stage for Hypersonic Development
The development of the LAM pylon is also a strategic response to the challenges facing the B-52 bomber fleet.
As the primary testbed for hypersonic weapons, the B-52 has faced increasing pressure due to ongoing modernization and repair efforts.
The Air Force views the B-1B with LAM pylons as a viable alternative for hypersonic testing, ensuring the uninterrupted critical development of this cutting-edge technology.
Boeing’s investment in the LAM pylon, coupled with additional funding from Congress, has resulted in a game-changing capability.
The pylon’s modular design allows for rapid configuration changes on the flight line, adapting to various mission requirements.
Furthermore, the Air Force is exploring the potential of adapting the LAM pylon for use on other aircraft types, expanding its impact across the service.
As Lt. Col. Scott Ponzer, commander of the 9th Flight Test Squadron, emphasized, the pylon’s testing is focused on ensuring optimal weapon delivery across a diverse range of configurations, including those for yet-to-be-developed armaments.
“We’re excited that the LAM pylon is going to be able to allow the warfighter to carry a whole new set of weapons and capabilities very important for winning future conflicts and deterring our adversaries,” Ponzer added.
The successful testing of the LAM pylon marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the B-1B bomber.
With increased weapon capacity, flexibility, and the potential to become a hypersonic testbed, the B-1B is poised to remain a critical asset to the US Air Force for years to come.
A B-1B Lancer takes off from Edwards Air Force Base, California, on February 7, 2024, to conduct flight tests on the Load Adaptable Modular pylon. (DVIDS)
Final Thoughts
Despite plans for its eventual retirement, the B-1B Lancer remains a critical component of the US Air Force’s strategic arsenal. And with the LAM pylon integration, its capabilities will be further amplified.
Moreover, the B-1 B’s role as a testbed for hypersonic weapons underscores its continued importance in shaping the future of warfare.
As the Air Force transitions to newer platforms, the B-1B will serve as a bridge, ensuring technological advancements and operational readiness.
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