Delta Force
Banned
What if an aircraft based on the B-1A had been selected for production instead of the B-1B? The B-1A had early versions of technologies and equipment later used on the B-1B, but for the purposes of this we will assume that the B-1A program continues for a few years. The avionics, ECM, ALCM compatibility, and increased gross takeoff weight are all implemented. The major difference is with the airframe. Rather than using fixed inlets and being limited to Mach 1.2 as on the B-1B, this B-1 (which we'll call the B-1A still to avoid confusion) will have variable intakes and a maximum dash speed of Mach 2.3. We'll assume the RCS reduction program also isn't implemented, so the B-1A has an RCS of around 10 cubic meters instead of 1.5 as on the B-1B (not sure how accurate this figure is, just one I've seen). Basically, this would be somewhat similar to the B-1R rebuild that has been proposed, or to the design philosophy the Soviets adopted with their Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bomber.
How would this B-1A type aircraft compare to the B-1B in performing strategic and conventional missions?
How would this B-1A type aircraft compare to the B-1B in performing strategic and conventional missions?