The B-1 Lancer

Designed as a long-range nuclear bomber, the B-1 bomber was meant to protect the United States from the Cold War threat of the Soviet Union. Instead, it became the butt of comedians' jokes for its huge price tag and mechanical problems. Fourteen years after the first Lancer was delivered to the air force, the plane proved its critics wrong over the skies of Iraq in 1998. Amy Sterling Casil narrates the intriguing story of this warplane, emphasizing its innovative design, flexible capabilities, varied weapons load, and state-of-the-art technology that make it one of the United States' most effective warplanes.