[Suggestion] B-1B Lancer – U.S. Top-Tier Strategic Bomber
- Introduction
The U.S. aviation tree is missing a true modern strategic bomber. While fighters like the F-15 and F-16 are excellent, they do not fill the role of high-payload, long-range strike aircraft.
The B-1B Lancer would bring a unique gameplay style: high-speed, low-level penetration or standoff strike bombing, leveraging modern countermeasures and guided munitions.
With the current state of War Thunder — modern SPAA, mixed battles, and advanced missile systems — the game is finally ready for long-range bombers.
- Why the Game is Ready
Modern SPAA balance – Current vehicles like Pantsir-S1, TOR-M2, 2S38, VT1, ADATS, and others can track and engage supersonic aircraft at long ranges with radar and optical modes, meaning a bomber is no longer an untouchable threat.
Massive countermeasure capacity – The B-1B and similar bombers can carry hundreds to thousands of flares/chaff bundles, enabling survival but not invincibility.
Standoff ordnance – Cruise missiles and glide bombs allow bombers to strike without overflying SPAA, encouraging tactical positioning instead of straight-line base bombing.
Strategic gameplay potential – Mixed Ground RB and Air RB could benefit from a true “strategic strike” role, forcing teams to defend assets, intercept bombers, or hunt SPAA.
Map size doesn’t kill the idea – Even with smaller maps, standoff ranges can be scaled down for gameplay balance (e.g., 20–30 km in-game). This creates an intercept/defend game loop instead of instant destruction.
- Vehicle Overview
Name: Rockwell B-1B Lancer
Type: Strategic Bomber
Introduced: 1986 (U.S. Air Force)
Role in WT: Top-tier bomber (Rank VIII)
- In-Game Specifications (Proposed)
Max Speed: Mach 1.25 at altitude / ~Mach 1.1 low-level
Rate of Climb: 6,000+ ft/min
Service Ceiling: 60,000+ ft
Crew: 4
Countermeasures: ~1200 flares/chaff, towed decoys
Special Mechanic: Reduced radar detection range at <200 m altitude (low-level penetration mode)
- Armament Options
Unguided Payloads
84× Mk 82 500 lb bombs
24× Mk 84 2000 lb bombs
Guided Ordnance (balanced ranges)
24× GBU-31 JDAM (GPS-guided) – 15–20 km range in WT
24× AGM-158 JASSM (standoff cruise missile) – 25–30 km range in WT
GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (8 per bay, precision guided)
- Gameplay Role
Air RB: Standoff strikes on bases or infrastructure from beyond SPAA range, forcing enemy interceptors to engage before missile release.
Ground RB: Targeting high-value assets (radar stations, SPAA, bridges, supply depots) from long range, requiring coordinated defense by the enemy team.
Endgame content: A bomber that uses speed, countermeasures, and range — not just altitude — to succeed.
- Balance Considerations
Range Scaling: Cruise missile ranges reduced to suit map size
Countermeasure Limits: Large capacity, but not infinite
Repair Cost: High to discourage reckless use
Matchmaking: Placed in a BR range with modern SPAA present
- Historical Significance
The B-1B has served as one of America’s primary strategic bombers for decades, capable of supersonic flight, low-level penetration, and massive payload delivery. It represents a logical next step in War Thunder’s tech tree progression toward modern, specialized aircraft.
- Sources
U.S. Air Force official fact sheet: https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104500/b-1b-lancer/
“Rockwell B-1B Lancer” by Bill Gunston, Modern Military Aircraft series
Closing Statement
The addition of the B-1B would bring a much-needed new dimension to top-tier gameplay. With modern SPAA in place, balanced standoff ranges, and realistic countermeasure loads, the game is ready for strategic bombers. This would add depth, variety, and strategic thinking to both Air RB and Ground RB at high tiers. Call it STRATEGIC STRIKE!!