A B-1B Lancer during a U. S. Air Force firepower demonstration near Indian Springs, Nev., in 2007. The Air Force announced it's grounding its entire fleet of B-1B bombers. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images, File)
The U.S. Air Force is grounding its B-1B bombers over a mechanical issue with the plane’s “drogue chute.” It’s the second time in almost a year and a half in which a temporary stand-down order was announced for the planes.
The problem is with the parachute feature connected with the pilot's ejection seat.
Reports said a routine inspection by airmen on one aircraft found a rigged "drogue chute" incorrectly installed. That raised concerns that the issue could affect other planes.
Currently, there are 62 B-1B Lancer bombers in the branch’s flight inventory. It is also referred by its nickname, the “Bone.”
The grounding should only last a “few weeks,” and no more than a month, according to officials.
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The plane has been used extensively in Operation Inherent Resolve against Islamic State targets in Syria and Iraq, launching long-range cruise missiles. It is not a nuclear bomber, but rather deploys conventional weapons.
A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer taking off from Nellis Air Force Base in 2006. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images, File)
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In June 2018, the U.S. fleet was grounded for safety reasons for about three weeks due to an issue with the ejection seat system.
There are currently no B-1 bombers flying overseas, according to defense officials. They are predominantly housed at two domestic bases: Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota and Dyess Air Force Base in Texas.
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