The Air Force has resumed B-1B Lancer bomber flights following a nearly month-long operational hiatus, the Air Force Times reported Tuesday.
The Air Force Global Strike command said the heavy bombers resumed flights this week following a safety inspection stand-down that began March 28 due to the problems with the egress system airmen use to exit in an emergency.
“Individual B-1B aircraft will return to flight as the inspections and maintenance directed during the stand-down on each aircraft,” a command news release said.
The B-1 has experienced three setback “events” in the past year, including an emergency landing incident related to an ejection-seat issue, and two fleetwide groundings, including the most recent one, according to the Air Force Times report.
“We are proud of the tremendous efforts of our maintainers and aircrew flight equipment technicians in identifying, inspecting and remediating any potential issues with the B-1B egress system,” said Maj. Gen. James Dawkins Jr., 8th Air Force commander, who is responsible for the Air Force bomber force. “The aircraft are still safe to fly, and we are confident that this stand-down has resulted in increased safety within the B-1B fleet.”
Air Force photo Staff Sgt. Clayton Cupit
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