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In a significant development for the United States Air Force (USAF), the B-1B Lancer bomber is set to receive upgraded pylons, enhancing its capabilities in the realm of hypersonic weapons. Known as the "Bone," the B-1 was initially designed by Rockwell, now Boeing, with six external hardpoints for nuclear missiles. These were deactivated under nuclear non-proliferation treaties after the Cold War.
The new Load Adaptable Modular (LAM) pylon from Boeing will enable the B-1 to carry advanced standoff munitions, including hypersonic AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM), and a variant of AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). Jennifer Wong, Boeing’s director of bomber programs, highlighted that the LAM will be "like Legos," allowing easy reconfiguration on the flightline. Wong added, “What this does for the B-1 is, it does keep it in the fight longer, it keeps it relevant.”
This upgrade comes amid rising tensions with China and its growing military capabilities. The USAF aims to join forces with the US Navy to develop a new variant of LRASM under the 2026 Fiscal Year budget request. This model will have double the range of its predecessor and serve as a deterrent against China's activities in Asia-Pacific.
