Mach 2, 60,000 foot B-1R

On Wed, 2 Jun 2004 23:50:43 +0000 (UTC), Jim Yanik wrote:



Why bother converting a B-1 into a supersonic reconnaissance plane,when
they could reactivate the SR-71's? What advantage would there be?

SRs are *very* expensive to operate and maintain. The savings achieved
by using the B-1 would soon pay for themselves.

Al Minyard

Scott Ferrin wrote:
3. The B-1A could do Mach 2.2 at 60,000ft so the basic airframe is
capable of it. Comes down to the engines, intakes, weight. The
article raised more questions than it answered.

Weight, fixed inlets and RCS vanes. Unfortunately, everything I've seen
on this is not for public consumption

Michael Kelly
Bone Maintainer

I've seen two proposals to this effect, makes for some interesting
reading... It is plausible, but the real question is if the money for
upgrades would be better spent on systems other than the engines. FWIW
reengining does bring interesting new capabilities.

Michael Kelly
Bone Maintainer

Paul F Austin wrote:
From this week's AvWeek. Boeing responded to an Air Force RFI against a
requirement for improved bombers by suggesting re-engining the B-1 fleet
with F-119 engines with the following characteristics: Mach 2 cruise, 3000
mile radius, 60,000 foot ceiling (with a couple of hours loiter).

Is this plausible? From others in this group, I though the B-1 was marginal
above 30,000 feet.