The B-1B Lancer was developed by Rockwell International, now Boeing Defense And Space Group, and is
the US Air Force long-range strategic bomber. The B-1B has the largest internal payload of any
current bomber. The B-1B became operational in 1986. In July 2001, the US Department of Defense
announced plans to cut its B-1B inventory from 92 to 67 as a cost-saving measure. The first aircraft
was withdrawn from service in August 2002. Following Operation Iraqi Freedom, it was decided that
there should be 67 aircraft in the fleet.

The remaining fleet operates from Dyess AFB, Texas (38 aircraft) and Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota (29
aircraft). The B-1B is expected to in be service until 2025.