#48, B-1B Lancer: Dropped 40% of the Bombs in Early Afghanistan
The Rockwell B-1B Lancer is the fastest bomber in the American arsenal, capable of Mach 1.25 at altitude and high-subsonic speeds at treetop level. When the U.S. invaded Afghanistan in October 2001, B-1Bs flying from Diego Garcia delivered roughly 40% of all ordnance dropped during the opening months of Operation Enduring Freedom. A single B-1B can carry 75,000 pounds of munitions internally, more than any other aircraft in the U.S. inventory.
Originally designed as a nuclear penetration bomber to replace the B-52, the B-1B was converted to a conventional strike platform after the Cold War and found its true calling. Its speed, payload, and loiter time make it the ideal platform for on-call close air support, orbiting high above a battlefield and delivering precision-guided bombs within minutes of a ground commander's request. The B-1B has flown more combat sorties than the B-2 and delivered more precision munitions than any other American bomber in the 21st century. Although its airframes are wearing out and retirement is approaching, the Lancer has earned its reputation as the workhorse of modern American air power and a remarkable piece of military technology.
