Single-engine plane crashes into building
     TORRANCE, Calif. (September 21, 1997 5:39 p.m. EDT) -- A single-
 engine airplane crashed into a medical office building shortly after
 taking off Sunday, killing at least one person on the aircraft and
 setting the building on fire. No one in the building or on the
 ground was injured.
     Authorities were investigating reports that other people might
 have been on the plane, fire Capt. John Vosper said.
     The Beechcraft Sundowner crashed into the roof of the three-
 story building at about 10:30 a.m. after leaving the Torrance
 airport, said Jerry Johnston, regional operations officer for the
 Federal Aviation Administration.
     The building, which has office space for doctors, physical
 therapists and others, apparently was unoccupied at the time,
 Vosper said.
     Investigators from the FAA and the National Transportation
 Safety Board had not determined the cause of the crash, and the
 victim's identity was not known.
     Torrance is about 12 miles south of downtown Los Angeles.
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                            B-1B Lancer
     The B-1B is a multi-role, long-range bomber, capable of flying
 intercontinental missions without refueling, then penetrating pres-
 ent and predicted sophisticated enemy defenses. It can perform a
 variety of missions, including that of a conventional weapons
 carrier for theater operations.
                              Features
   The B-1B's electronic jamming equipment, infrared countermeasures,
 radar location and warning systems complement its low-radar cross-
 section and form an integrated defense system for the aircraft.
    The swing-wing design and turbofan engines not only provide
 greater range and high speed at low levels but they also enhance
 the bomber's survivability. Wing sweep at the full-forward position
 allows a short takeoff roll and a fast base-escape profile for air-
 fields under attack. Once airborne, the wings are positioned for
 maximum cruise distance or high-speed penetration.
     The B-1B uses radar and inertial navigation equipment enabling
 aircrews to globally navigate, update mission profiles and target
 coordinates in-flight, and precision bomb without the need for
 ground based navigation aids. Included in the B-1B offensive avi-
 onics are modular electronics that allow maintenance personnel to
 precisely identify technical difficulties and replace avionics
 components in a fast, efficient manner on the ground.
     The aircraft's AN/ALQ 161A defensive avionics is a comprehensive
 electronic counter-measures package that detects and counters enemy
 radar threats. It also has the capability to detect and counter
 missiles attacking from the rear. It defends the aircraft by applying
 the appropriate counter-measures, such as electronic jamming or dis-
 pensing expendable chaff and flares. Similar to the offensive avi-
 onics, the defensive suite has a re-programmable design that allows
 in-flight changes to be made to counter new or changing threats.
     The B-1B represents a major upgrade in U.S. long-range capabil-
 ities over the aging B-52 -- the previous mainstay of the bomber
 fleet. Significant advantages include:
 Low radar cross-section to make detection considerably more difficult
 Ability to fly lower and faster while carrying a larger payload.
 Advanced electronic countermeasures to enhance survivability.
     Numerous sustainment and upgrade modifications are ongoing or
 under study for the B-1B aircraft. A large portion of these modifi-
 cations which are designed to increase the combat capability are
 known as the conventional mission upgrade program. This three phase
 program will increase the lethality, survivability and supportabilty
 of the B-1B fleet. Phase I of the program, scheduled for completion
 by the end of FY 96, will add the capability to release cluster bomb
 unit weapons.
     Phases II and III will further upgrade the B-1B capability, to
 include the ability to deliver joint direct attack munitions and
 standoff weapons.
                              Background
     The first B-1B was delivered to the Air Force at Dyess Air Force
 Base, Texas, in June 1985, with initial operational capability on Oct.
 1, 1986. The final B-1B was delivered May 2, 1988.
     The B-1B holds several world records for speed, payload and dis-
 tance. The National Aeronautic Association recognized the B-1B for
 completing one of the 10 most memorable record flights for 1994.
                        General Characteristics
 Primary Function: Long-range, multi-role, heavy bomber
 Builder: Rockwell International, North American Aircraft
 Operations Air Frame and Integration: Offensive avionics, Boeing
 Military Airplane; defensive avionics, AIL Division
 Power Plant: Four General Electric F-101-GE-102 turbofan engine with
 afterburner
 Thrust: 30,000-plus pounds with afterburner, per engine
 Length: 146 feet (44.5 meters)
 Wingspan: 137 feet extended forward, 79 feet swept aft
 Height: 34 feet
 Weight: Empty, approximately 190,000 pounds
 Maximum Takeoff Weight: 477,000 pounds
 Speed: 900-plus mph (Mach 1.2 at sea level)
 Range: Intercontinental, unrefueled
 Ceiling: Over 30,000 feet
 Crew: Four (aircraft commander, pilot, offensive systems officer and
 defensive systems officer)
 Armament: Up to 84 Mark 82 conventional 500-pound bombs and 30 CBU-
 87/89/97. Also canbe reconfigured to carry a wide range of nuclear
 weapons
 Date Deployed: June 1985
 Unit Cost: $200-plus million per aircraft
 Inventory: Active force, 50 (PAA) 84 (actual); ANG, 10 PAA (11 actual);
 Reserve , 0
 Point of Contact: Air Combat Command, Public Affairs Office;
 115 Thompson St., Suite 211; Langley AFB, Va. 23665-1987; DSN 574-5014
 or (757) 764-5014.----
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