X-Plane aircraft developer AOA Simulations recently took to their Facebook page to share new screenshots of their B-1B for X-Plane 12.
The B-1B Lancer is a supersonic, strategic bomber that has become the backbone of the United States’ Air Force long-range bomber force. Originally conceived in the 1960s by Rockwell International, now a part of Boeing, the B-1B was designed to replace the aging B-52 Stratofortress and provide the United States with a strategic advantage during the Cold War. Unlike previous aircraft, the B-1B featured a unique variable-sweep swing design that allows it to adjust its wing geometry for various flight missions. While the B-1B can only reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.25, the aircraft holds almost 50 world records for speed, payload, range, and time of climb in its class. In addition, the aircraft has affectionately earned the nickname of “The Bone” because of its advanced weapons systems, electronic jamming systems, and ability to fly at extremely low altitudes.
Coming a long way from the initial modeling work completed a few weeks ago, this is the first time the flight simulator community has seen the AOA Simulations B-1B operating in the simulator. While most of the texturing work has been completed, AOA Simulations noted in their post that they are still working to add panel lines and rivets to enhance the realism. Despite experiencing some challenges working through the texturing phase, the team continues to make steady progress on the aircraft’s development.
As with the last update, no estimated release date or project timeline was provided by AOA Simulations. FSElite will continue to monitor this story and provide any future updates.
