The legendary B-17 bomber was so much more than just a means for dropping bombs on Nazi Germany during the Second World War.

The U.S. Air Force currently operates three bomber aircraft. After the eventual arrival of the B-21 Raider, two of these—the B-1 Lancer and the B-2 Spirit—are destined for retirement.

Northrop CEO Kathy Warden previously warned investors that the B-21 could lose money at first, before later turning a profit.

It also fires the small diameter bomb-GBU-39. Therefore, despite its age, the B1-B Lancer has surged into continued service as part of a key strategy to retain a viable and effective bomber fleet ...