'Issue With Ejection Seat Discovered': USAF Grounds All B-1B Bombers
05:56 09.06.2018(updated 06:10 09.06.2018)
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US Air Force has grounded all B-1B Lancer bombers because of safety concerns after one of the aircraft conducted an emergency landing, Air Force spokesperson William Russell said in a statement on Friday.
"During the safety investigation process following an emergency landing of a B-1B in Midland, Texas, an issue with ejection seat components was discovered that necessitated the stand down," Russell said.
The spokesperson noted that the order to ground the B-1 fleet was issued on June 7 and will be effective until all problems are resolved.
The B-1B is a strategic bomber intended and capable of striking adversary's targets including with conventional as well as nuclear weapons.
In April, B-1B warplanes took part in the US-Led offensive against Damascus
, reportedly stricking alleged chemical weapons facilities in Syria from the At Tanf district.
Earlier, Lockheed Martin said in a press release that B-1B bomber took part in a test firing of two long-range anti-ship missiles (LRASM) that eventually was declared successful.
Last year, Pentagon's contractor announced its plans to deploy LRASM on Air Force B1-B Bombers in 2018 and on Navy Aircraft in 2019.
The multi-role heavy bomber B-1B reportedly received "baptism of fire" in 1998. Later, this warplane was intensely used during the 2003 war in Iraq.
© Sputnik
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