B-1 Bomber Departs Wichita Months Ahead of Schedule Following Historic “Backbone” Surgery

U.S. Air Force completes major B-1B Lancer structural repair months ahead of schedule using digital engineering

The bomber arrived at McConnell Air Force Base in September 2025 as part of the BackBONE Project, a program focused on extending the service life of the B-1 fleet. The repair involved replacing the aircraft’s 33-foot Forward Intermediate Fuselage component, located in the upper spine section of the bomber. According to the Air Force, the structural repair was originally expected to require 12 months to complete. Officials said the joint Air Forc…

B-1 Bomber Departs Wichita Months Ahead of Schedule Following Historic “Backbone” Surgery

A B-1B Lancer that arrived at McConnell Air Force Base last September for a massive structural repair is heading back to the fleet significantly ahead of schedule, proving that digital engineering can revolutionize legacy aircraft sustainment.