DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas —
The seventh Bomb Wing’s first B-1 Embracing Agile Scheduling Group modified B-1B Lancer took its first flight September 8, 2023, from Dyess Air Power Base marking a brand new period of lethality for the venerable plane.
BEAST was designed to shorten fielding of every system, protect plane availability and guarantee compliance with federal authorities aviation directives.
“BEAST modernizes the plane’s avionics methods and provides it life and lethality out to 2040 and past,” stated Col. Joshua Pope, seventh Upkeep Group commander. “I used to be on the Air Power International Strike Command employees when the undertaking began simply a short while in the past, so to be right here now watching it’s a actually spectacular feat of innovation, scheduling and teamwork between the upkeep teams, the command, and the B-1B System Program Workplace. This actually is an all-in group effort.”
The modifications are designed to modernize the plane’s Identification Buddy or Foe system, present Hyperlink 16 tactical information communications functionality and improve safe communications methods. This system additionally updates the plane’s defensive avionics system and updates its mass information storage for right now’s digital atmosphere.
“BEAST considerably enhances the lethality of the B-1B, surpassing its present capabilities,” stated Col. Dan Alford, seventh Operations Group commander. “Our aircrew are excited to get their arms on this new know-how that may scale back their workload and permit them to concentrate on fight employment of the weapon system itself.”
By collaborating with the B-1B System Program Workplace and the 76th Plane Upkeep Group, the B-1Bs will likely be modified throughout scheduled Programmed Depot Upkeep at Tinker AFB and at every primary working location – Dyess AFB and Ellsworth AFB.
“This technique permits for the shortest completion time whereas giving every bomb wing flexibility to schedule their plane for modification in keeping with their plane availability necessities,” stated Pope. “It’s the greatest for all organizations and ensures the B-1B is able to combat from right here.”
This modified B-1B is the primary of 23 that may bear modification at Dyess by a contract area group employed particularly for this modification. Beneath the present assemble, all seventh BW plane will likely be accomplished in keeping with plan and prepared for instant deployment, if referred to as upon.
