Boeing

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], which performs development, production and sustainment work on the B-1 bomber, has helped the U.S. Air Force B-1 fleet surpass 500,000 flight hours. The aircraft reached the milestone during a March 1 flight.

The $2.8 billion Conventional Mission Upgrade Program awarded to Boeing in 1993 adds computers, weapons, and communication and navigation equipment to maintain the B-1's relevance for another 40 years.

As a result of its mission effectiveness, the Air Force declared the B-1 the "Most Valuable Plane" of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since 2003, B-1s have supported evolving missions throughout Southwest Asia and Africa, flying more than 2,600 sorties.