Air & Space Museum

Rockwell B-1A Lancer

Rockwell B-1A Lancer

Rockwell created the B-1A bomber in the early 1970s to meet a US Air Force requirement for a bomber combining the long range of the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress and the supersonic speed of the Convair B-58 Hustler, in order to replace them both. The result was a sleek, fast, four engine bomber with variable sweep wings that could deliver nuclear weapons at intercontinental distances. It also came with a very large price tag.

Rockwell built four B-1As, which began a test program demonstrating their ability to fly at Mach 2.2 (over 1,400 mph) at high altitude while carrying either conventional or nuclear weapons. As the B-1 fell farther behind schedule and budget overruns more than tripled the cost per airplane, the program came under scrutiny. In 1977, President Carter canceled the program, believing that the B-1’s vulnerability to new Soviet defenses and the capabilities of new American cruise missiles and development of a new secret stealth bomber canceled any benefits the B-1 might offer. President Reagan reinstated the B-1 program in 1981 with a new mission. Rockwell designed the new B-1B model to fly at low level and lower speeds with an emphasis on delivery of conventional weapons and cruise missiles. They built a total of 100 B-1B Lancers.

The B-1A had a number of unique design features that did not make their way into the B-1B, including variable aspect engine intakes which moved to give the best performance at a variety of speeds, and an escape capsule that would eject the entire crew together in case of an emergency.

This B-1A was the third aircraft built. The Air Force assigned it to Lowry AFB in 1989 to serve as a ground trainer for munitions loading procedures. It is on loan from the National Museum of the US Air Force.

Aircraft specifications:
Wingspan: variable from 78 ft 2 in to 136 ft 9 in (23.8-41.7 m)
Length: 150 ft (44.7 m)
Maximum speed: Mach 2.3 at 50,000 feet (1,450 mph; 2,334 km/h)
Maximum weight: 395,000 lb (179,169 kg)
Range: 6,100 mi (9,817 km)

Air & Space Museum Air & Space Museum

Lowry - Denver

Air & Space Museum

Upcoming Events

Saturday May 24
10:00AM TO 2:00PM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Vintage Showcase

Vintage Showcase
Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 10:00AM to 2:00PM

Take a step back in time at the Vintage Showcase at Exploration of Flight!

Join us for a showcase of vintage aircraft, classic cars and unique local vendors. Check out beautifully preserved planes including a 1958 Beechcraft BE95 Travel-Air, 1948 Luscombe and Wings’ own 1977 Varga 2150A Kachina with factory original paint and upholstery. Stroll among iconic cars like a 1953 Packard Caribbean, 1968 Chevy Chevelle SS, 1989 Volvo and more. Dress up in your favorite retro wear and shop for vintage treasures in the hangar from local vendors!

Pre-Purchase Tickets

Food Truck: Colorado Coney Company
Food is not included with admission.

Featured aircraft and vehicles are subject to change. 

Sunday Jun 1
12:00PM TO 5:00PM
Air & Space Museum

New Exhibit Opening: 2theXtreme

New Exhibit Opening: 2theXtreme
Sunday, Jun 1, 2025 | 12:00PM to 5:00PM

Our newest exhibit 2theXtreme opens on June 1!

This summer, experience 2theXtreme, a hands-on exhibit at Wings Over the Rockies™ Air & Space Museum! With 20 different interactive stations, discover how math powers the world around us – from skateboarding and Mars rovers to robotics and music. You can race a snowboard, drive a rover, create a 360° freeze-motion video and so much more. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, visit 2theXtreme and learn how math shapes our world and helps us soar!

Pre-Purchase Tickets

This high-energy, interactive exhibit is included in the price of admission and will be at the Air & Space Museum through September 7.

Friday Jun 6
10:00AM TO 8:00PM
Air & Space Museum

Evening at the Museum

Evening at the Museum
Friday, Jun 6, 2025 | 10:00AM to 8:00PM

Join us for an elevated experience during extended hours! Don’t miss Evening at the Museum, when the Air & Space Museum stays open late until 8:00 p.m., giving you more time to explore our aircraft, exhibits and immersive experiences. Whether you’re heading over after work or looking for a unique evening out, this is your chance to experience the museum in a whole new light.

Enjoy your night at the museum!

Pre-Purchase Tickets

Standard admission pricing applies. As always, admission is free for our members.

Get updates and special offers

Sign up for our newsletter, and stay up to date with all of the latest exhibits and events at Wings Over the Rockies.

Warbird Jet - Wings Museum