Military grants for modified B-1 bomber pylons, aiming at increased payload capabilities and hypersonic weapon testing
B-1B Bomber Set to Boost Weapons Capacity with External Heavy-Stores Pylon Program
The B-1B Lancer bomber is set for a significant upgrade, with the introduction of the External Heavy-Stores Pylon program. This initiative aims to significantly increase the bomber's weapons loadout, particularly for standoff and hypersonic missiles.
The program includes new Load Adaptable Modular (LAM) pylons that can carry either two 2,000-pound bombs or a single 5,000-pound weapon, making them compatible with heavy and hypersonic missiles. Up to six such pylons can be mounted externally under the fuselage, substantially increasing missile carriage capacity beyond the bomber's original internal bays.
The U.S. Air Force has budgeted over $50 million for this program in fiscal year 2026 to expand the B-1B’s standoff munitions and mitigate risk in the transition period before the new B-21 bomber enters service. The upgrade also supports hypersonic missile testing by increasing the number of available weapon stations compatible with such advanced munitions.
The new pylons effectively reactivate and modernize the B-1B’s six deactivated external hardpoints, which were originally designed for nuclear-armed AGM-86B cruise missiles. This move extends the aircraft’s payload flexibility and combat relevance pending the arrival of the B-21.
The LRASM (Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile) addresses an air-launch capability gap, providing flexible, long-range, advanced, anti-surface capability against high-threat maritime targets. The LAM, currently in testing under the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., has demonstrated the pylon with inert munitions.
The B-1's loadout of JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile) or LRASM could increase from 24 missiles internally to 36 in a mix of internal and external hardpoints with the new pylons. The Air Force also plans to add external weapons pylons on the B-1B bomber.
The Air Force has at least two air-launched hypersonic missiles in development, including the ARRW (AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon) and HACM (Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept). The estimated weight of the ARRW is around 6,500 pounds, and it's not clear if the budget language specifying 5,000 pounds for the LAM is the result of test results.
The Air Force spent $20 million over fiscal years '22 and '23 to develop an external carry-enabled testbed for hypersonic weapons, creating the opportunity to increase the B-1's loadout. The addition of the LAM could allow the B-1 to increase its current weapons payload capacity by 50%, with larger and heavier weapons.
Boeing revealed the Load Adaptable Modular pylon, which could allow the B-1 to carry additional weapons on external stations. The increased volume of fires off the B-1B can be done in the near term. The program provides an opportunity for an operational external carry capability on the B-1B if directed, specifically for the LRASM.
The Air Force wants to give the B-1B more shots per sortie to account for any delays as the B-21 enters the fleet. The program aims to provide increased carriage capacity of standoff munitions on B-1B aircraft, addressing long-standing limitations of the B-1B’s internal bomb bays that restricted carrying larger or longer-range weapons.
[1] Air Force Magazine [2] Defense News [3] Breaking Defense [4] National Defense
- The External Heavy-Stores Pylon program is anticipated to enhance the B-1B Lancer's weapons capacity, enabling it to carry standoff and hypersonic missiles more effectively.
- The program's development includes the use of Load Adaptable Modular (LAM) pylons, which can accommodate both conventional bombs and heavy or hypersonic missiles.
- The addition of up to six LAM pylons outside the bomber's fuselage could boost the B-1B's missile carriage capacity significantly, beyond its original internal bays.
- The upgraded B-1B, with its extended payload flexibility and newly activated external hardpoints, is expected to remain relevant within the fleet, pending the arrival of the B-21 bomber.
