The B-1 Lancer is an American strategic bomber with variable geometry wings. Its orgins began in the 1960s as a supersonic bomber with sufficient range and payload to replace the original B-52 Stratofortress. The B-1B production version has been in service with the United States Air Force (USAF) since 1986. The Lancer serves with the B-52 and the B-2 Spirit as the supersonic-capable component of the United States’ long-range bomber force.