B-1B bomber spotted for first time carrying new Bunker Buster bomb outside

Photos show the B-1 carrying a large bomb on the right front hard point. And it looks like it's the GBU-72/B, the new 5,000-pound “Bunker Buster.”

A US Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber was spotted flying over the Mojave Desert with an interesting detail under its fuselage: the BONE (from “B-One”, as the plane is unofficially nicknamed) was carrying actually what initially appeared to be a GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition under the right front hard point.

The photos were taken and shared with us by photographer Ian Recchio (@lookunderocks on Instagram), who took them earlier this year and noticed the interesting payload while checking the photo on his screen.

“On March 19, 2024, I was photographing planes and reptiles in the Mojave Desert, just north of Owens Lake, and heard chatter on my scanner about 'Torch' flying in the area. It is not uncommon to see Edwards B-1s flying in this area,” Recchio said in an email. “That day, although I could not confirm with certainty that it was the Edwards B-1, it appeared during the refueling of a KC-135, which is not so common to see, so of course I pulled some images. The two planes continued to circle the area for about 2 hours and I took advantage of a few more opportunities to capture images.

We had a chance to analyze the high-res version of the photos and the weapon, at first glance, appeared to be the 2,000 lb GBU-31v1/B. However, upon closer inspection we noticed some differences when looking specifically at the strakes/fins of the JDAM kit. In fact, they appear to be longer than those of the GBU-31 (v1/Mk-84 and v3/BLU-109) and larger, exactly like those of the GBU-72.

The GBU-72 Advanced 5K Penetrator is a 5,000-pound bunker busting bomb first tested in 2021. The objectives of the test were to show that the weapon could be released from the aircraft safely and to validate a 2,000-pound modified joint direct attack. -the ability of the ammo tail kit to control and navigate a 5,000 pound weapon.

The GBU-72 was created to address the challenges of targeting deeply buried hardened structures and is suitable for both combat aircraft and bombers. The Air Force says its design and anticipated performance were developed using advanced modeling and simulation techniques before the first warhead was produced. This method can be applied to all future direct attack weapons. According to James Culliton, GBU-72 program manager, lethality is expected to be significantly greater than that of older weapons like the GBU-28.

At the time of testing, Culliton highlighted that one of the benefits of using modeling and simulation in the design process was that early prototypes closely resembled final production models. “This approach allows us to engage our operational test partners earlier, enabling hands-on participation that validates our design and procedures earlier and incorporates feedback to improve the weapon. The collaboration with the 780th TS and 40th FLTS was the best I have experienced in acquisitions,” he said.

The GBU-72 was first tested on the F-15E but a test on the B-1B would make perfect sense and fit Recchio's account.

That being said, given the distance, we cannot completely rule out that the bomb is a different model, almost identical, externally, to the GBU-72/B. The fact that the flight took place in daylight also proves that the US Air Force did not need to hide the test/exit with the external cart.

The external pylons of the B-1B

As Recchio mentioned, from the photos it is impossible to confirm whether the B-1B was actually assigned to Edwards Air Force Base; however, the situation it captured is similar to the test conducted by Edwards' 419th Flight Test Squadron in 2020 when a B-1B tested the external carriage of the AGM-158 joint air-to-ground standoff missile .

Also on this occasion the JASSM was mounted on the right front hardpoint, usually used to carry the Sniper ATP (Advanced Targeting Pod). These test flights demonstrate the bomber's ability to carry larger weapons, both internally and externally.

As explained, the US Air Force successfully completed a series of tests of the 5,000-pound class bunker busting bomb on the F-15E in 2021. The fact that they are testing it on the B-1, not to mention from the outside of the pylon, makes the photographs even more interesting.

While the US Air Force has revealed plans to transport the JASSM externally and information about ongoing testing, the GBU-72 test has not been previously disclosed. However, the test reflects the intention to continue investing in the bomber so that it remains relevant in future scenarios until its retirement.

The external hard points were originally designed for the B-1's nuclear strike mission. However, the bomber mission was revised and the type was converted to conventional weapons only with a change decided in 1994 and a physical conversion which took place between 2007 and 2011, with the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START).

The current demonstration of the enlarged carriage will make the external hardpoints and movable bulkhead available again for conventional weapons carriage so that the B-1 remains compliant with the New START Treaty. The proposed increase in capacity means that two B-1s will be able to carry as much weapons as three bombers can currently carry.

Arsenal Plane

Originally designed as a low-altitude penetrating bomber intended to deliver nuclear weapons deep into Soviet territory, the B-1 Lancer has since changed its focus. Stripped of its nuclear mission, the bomber saw limited use and was occasionally reused for costly close air support missions in Afghanistan.

The Air Force is set to transform the B-1 bomber into the Arsenal aircraft, capable of striking land targets as well as enemy ships with a barrage of anti-ship and land attack missiles. Plans are underway to equip the aircraft with up to 36 cruise missiles, significantly increasing its firepower to levels comparable to an aircraft carrier.

The initiative to maximize the B-1's missile-carrying capability dates back to the concept of the Arsenal Plane. This concept, aimed at maximizing the use of large aircraft by loading them with a multitude of missiles, also led to the development of the Rapid Dragon, intended for dropping palletized missiles.

Thanks again to Ian Recchio for allowing us to use the photos and be sure to follow him on Instagram for more!