(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – A pair of United States Air Force’s (USAF) strategic bomber aircraft, B-1B Lancer are in Singapore for a stopover, during which they will conduct air-to-air refuelling training with the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).
The two B-1B strategic bomber aircraft, also known as “Bone,” arrived at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, two days ago and are scheduled to remain on the island nation for one week.
The United States Air Force states that both B-1B strategic bomber aircraft are assigned to 345th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron based at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas.
During their one-week stay on the island, the American strategic bomber aircraft will engage in air-to-air refueling exercises with the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft.
The air-to-air refueling exercises between the U.S. B-1B strategic bomber aircraft and the Singaporean A330 MRTT tanker aircraft are expected to take place in the South China Sea.
According to a statement from the Singapore’s Ministry of Defence, over the years, the RSAF has facilitated aircraft stopovers from various countries.
These provide the RSAF valuable training and professional exchange opportunities with different aircraft and aircrew.
At present, the RSAF operates six A330 MRTT aircraft, managed by the 112 Squadron.
The A330 MRTT is capable of carrying a maximum fuel load of 111 tons, making it the highest-capacity tanker aircraft in the market. In addition to aerial refueling missions, the A330 MRTT can also accommodate up to 300 passengers.
Meanwhile, the U.S. B-1B strategic bomber aircraft have the capability to carry up to 24 cruise missiles or 34 tons of various types of bombs and weaponry in a single bombing mission.
With a speed of Mach 1.2, these bomber aircraft can travel anywhere in the world but require assistance from aerial refueling aircraft such as the A330 MRTT owned by Singapore.
The bomber aircraft is equipped with four General Electric F101-GE-102 turbofan engines with afterburners, providing over 30,000 pounds of thrust per engine.
Each B-1B strategic bomber is operated by a crew of four, consisting of two pilots and two Weapons System Officers.
Currently, the United States Air Force has 45 active B-1B strategic bomber aircraft, including one that recently had to make an emergency landing at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, United States. — DSA
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