Fewer Than Ten U.S. B-1 Bombers Are Ready for Action

via Popular Mechanics

The U.S. Air Force’s fleet of B-1B bombers is undergoing a readiness crises that has resulted in less than ten of 62 bombers capable of carrying out missions. The low readiness rating is almost certainly the worst among the U.S. military’s combat aircraft and reduces the overall number of bombers by almost a third.

Air Force Times, which broke the news, reports that the number of fully capable B-1Bs is currently in the “single digits.” According to June 2019 issue of Air Force Magazine, the service is supposed to have 62 B-1Bs in operation. The problem is so bad that B-1 air crews are being temporarily assigned to other airframes.

A number of issues are likely involved. The B-1B fleet is reportedly not receiving the “resources and attention necessary” to keep the fleet going. The last bomber was produced 31 years ago, and as planes grow older they grow more expensive and difficult to repair. One problem in particular is that the bombers reportedly suffer from structural issues. Another issue is the high tempo of operations in the post 9/11 period. The heavy strategic bomber became a close air support favorite in the skies over Afghanistan, with its ability to dash to support troops in contact, stay aloft for hours on end, and drop bombs with precision.

Story here.

We have a lavishly funded military yet only 10 B-1 Bombers are capable of flying missions?

This isn't a funding problem.

This is a management problem.

Want it in a nutshell?  Everything must die so that the F-35 can live and even with all the plus ups for all the infrastructure and other support its still draining the coffers and forcing situations like this.

We need a new plan...and if current leadership can't give it to us then we need new leaders.

This is pathetic.