Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Normal
So Boeing is moving readily along from B-1R to B-1RL (or should that be B-1RDEW)?The electric laser comment is interesting though. Considering the work with various "modules" for the B-1 bomb bays, it wouldn't be a difficult step to make a laser module (predecessor to the F-35's?), a generator/APU module, and a fuel tank module (reusing the tank design from the buddy tanker concept). I wonder how much of an issue it will be to allow the necessary electric cables and coolant pipes through the bulkhead separating the forward and middle bays (isn't there a START treaty related issue as to why the bulkhead can't be removed?).Exploring the fantasy further, considering the number of B-1A and B-1B in mothballs, generating the airframes for this isn't horrific either. A related issue is whether the laser module system is a swappable system or a permanent upgrade. I can easily see the merits of permanently removing the bomb bay doors for at least the laser and generator modules, so that a small integrated strake/fin assembly could be installed for the laser ball turret, the radiator system, and the generator intake/exhaust.
So Boeing is moving readily along from B-1R to B-1RL (or should that be B-1RDEW)?
The electric laser comment is interesting though. Considering the work with various "modules" for the B-1 bomb bays, it wouldn't be a difficult step to make a laser module (predecessor to the F-35's?), a generator/APU module, and a fuel tank module (reusing the tank design from the buddy tanker concept). I wonder how much of an issue it will be to allow the necessary electric cables and coolant pipes through the bulkhead separating the forward and middle bays (isn't there a START treaty related issue as to why the bulkhead can't be removed?).
Exploring the fantasy further, considering the number of B-1A and B-1B in mothballs, generating the airframes for this isn't horrific either. A related issue is whether the laser module system is a swappable system or a permanent upgrade. I can easily see the merits of permanently removing the bomb bay doors for at least the laser and generator modules, so that a small integrated strake/fin assembly could be installed for the laser ball turret, the radiator system, and the generator intake/exhaust.
