The U.S. Air Force is modernizing B-1B Lancer strategic bombers as part of the B-1 Embracing Agile Scheduling Team (BEAST) program. Recently, the first improved aircraft made its maiden flight. The bomber, which was modernized under the BEAST program and took to the skies for the first time, belongs to the 7th Bomb Wing (7th Bomb Wing) of Dyess Air Base. The first flight of the B-1B Lancer took place on September 8, 2023.

The aircraft is equipped with a modernized “self-alien” identification system and received the Link 16 tactical data transfer system. The upgrade also introduced advanced safety communications systems, updated avionics protection and storage for working with large volumes of information.

The BEAST program will make the job of B-1B Lancer crews easier. After modernization of the bomber, the crew will focus on the combat use of the aircraft. This was announced by Colonel Dan Alford, commander of the 7th Operations Group.

The B-1B Lancer upgrade process takes 22 days. According to the commander of the 7th Maintenance Group (7th Maintenance Group), Colonel Joshua Pope (Joshua Pope), 22 more aircraft will undergo modernization in two years.

The BEAST program is another attempt by the U.S. Air Force to extend the service life of the B-1B Lancer until the B-21 Raider nuclear bombers enter service. The sixth-generation aircraft has not yet made its first flight, but is expected to do so in the coming weeks or months. The US Air Force plans to have the B-1B flying by 2040. Source