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Designed to replace the B-52 and FB-111 in the low-level penetration role, the B-1 prototype flew on December 23, 1974. Although a decision was made on December 2, 1976 to have the US Air Force proceed with production of the B-1, it was delayed until Jimmy Carter took office. On June 30, 1977 he stated in a national TV address that it would not be produced. It wasn't until October 2, 1981 that Ronald Reagan's new adminstration took the decision to resurrect the Rockwell B-1 programme.
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