Lancers execute first-ever Block 16 long-range strike exercise

Airmen assigned to the 7th Maintenance Group prep a B-1B Lancer’s bomb bay for a Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Feb. 21, 2016, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, during a B-1 Combat Mission Effectiveness Exercise. The exercise challenged Airmen assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing to prepare six B-1s to launch with weapons and deploy the aircraft and personnel within 48 hours. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Austin Mayfield/Released)

Testing the Updated B-1s

Published March 4, 2016
Air Force Magazine

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Upgraded B-1 bombers flew the first long-range strike exercise with their new cockpits and targeting systems in late February, Air Force Global Strike Command announced on March 2.

B-1s and crews from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, tested the Block 16 upgrades on six B-1s by flying a 15-hour flight to the Yukon Range in Alaska.

"This exercise proved that the B-1 fleet is now capable of deploying and employing Block 16 aircraft to provide a global strike presence within hours of being tasked," Capt. Ryan Stillwell, 7th Bomb Wing weapons officer, said in a release.

The exercise also ensured the upgraded BONES are ready for long-duration missions, said Lt. Col. Luke Baker, 7th BW director of inspections.

B-1s recently returned from the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to receive the upgrades, marking the first time since 2001 that bombers are not based in Southwest Asia.

The upgrades include the Vertical Situation Display, which adds a digital cockpit, a Fully Integrated Data Link for targeting and command and control, and a Central Integrated Test System for real-time diagnostics.

The 7th BW received the first upgraded B-1 in 2014.