History

The first B-1 prototype made its first flight in the form of the B-1A on 23 December 1974. Production was cancelled in 1977, the flight testing continued through 1981 with four prototypes.

In 1981, the Reagan administration re-started the program, now designated the B-1B. The B-1B production standard was first flown on 18 October 1984 and first entered service in July 1985 with the USAF's Strategic Air Command. Initial Operational Capability was first achieved on 1 October 1986. The final B-1B was delivered 2 May 1988.

The B-1B Lancer did not fly any combat missions over the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War against Iraq. The aircraft and the air crews were not prepared for the use of conventional weapons. However during the conflict the B-1B lancer and its crews were on constant stand-by to deliver nuclear weapons in case the conflict escalated.
Seven years later the aircraft was modified and aircrews were trained for the use of conventional weapons, including stand-off and laser guided weapons, and did flew combat missions during Operation Desert Fox.
Also in 1999 the B-1s flew bombing missions using conventional weapons against Yugoslavia as part of Operation Allied Force.