@ Nellis AFB, NV
March 2010
The International Society for Aviation Photography held a symposium in 2010 that included a rare opportunity to photograph Red Flag 10-3 activities. Seen here is a Rockwell B-1B (nicknamed “Bone” by her crews) starting its takeoff run with afterburners blazing. First flown in 1974, this intended replacement for the venerable B-52 Stratofortress did not enter service until 1986. The original B-1A program was cancelled in 1977 after four prototypes were built. The bomber was resurrected in 1982 with a shift to a low-altitude penetrator mission. The 45 B-1Bs currently in service are planned for retirement in 2036, replaced by the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider. Nikon D300 w/80-200mm.