Simviation Forums

Anybody here know what the purpose of these mini canard like surfaces on the B-1 are for?  The can't possibly be for lift when they are that small and they don't look like airfoils from pictures taken at any angle (could they be trim?). While we are at it, why does it have 6 pitot tubes?

Aren't these simply the most beautiful bombers in the world?

They are "structural mode control system (SMCS)" foreplanes. The SMCS vanes are linked to a set of accelerometers near the center and nose of the bomber under computer control to ensure a smooth ride at low level, reducing fatigue on crew and airframe.

Multiple pitot systems aren't that unusual, the B-1B has six probes because it probably has 3 seperate systems, each with pilot and copilot plumbing. I've seen many planes with 4 probes hooked up this way.