US temporarily grounds all B-1 bombers

IANS  |  Washington 

The has grounded all Lancer bombers, a component of Washington's long range bombing fleet, for safety reasons.

"During the safety investigation process following an emergency landing of a in Midland, Texas, an issue with ejection seat components was discovered that necessitated the stand down," said in a statement on Friday.

The order was issued on Thursday, reports

The said the investigation is to "to prevent future mishaps or losses" and that it would be led by experts who will investigate the incident and recommend corrective actions.

"As these issues are resolved, will return to flight... The safety of Airmen is the command's top priority," Russell added.

The highly versatile, supersonic carries the largest conventional payload of any in the It does not carry nuclear weapons.

The bombers were used in the US strikes against Syria's in April.

Two officials told that although are currently deployed to in Qatar, operations in Iraq, and would not be impacted.

--IANS

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First Published: Sat, June 09 2018. 09:26 IST