# Air Force Awards B-1B Composite Structures Contract

In October 2026, the U.S. Air Force awarded Qarbon Aerospace a contract to manufacture composite structures for the B-1B Lancer. Designs developed with Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research are advancing toward prototype production; the award value, contract number, and specific components were not disclosed. The work aligns with planned B-1 modernization spending of $342 million from 2027 through 2031 and the Air Force’s intent to keep the aircraft in service through 2037.

- The $342 million is planned modernization spending, not the disclosed value of Qarbon Aerospace’s contract. Suppliers should distinguish the broader program funding from this award when evaluating market size.
- The move from NIAR-developed designs to prototype production creates a concrete opportunity for aerospace manufacturers with relevant composite fabrication capabilities to assess potential roles in B-1 sustainment work.
- Contractors can use the aircraft’s intended service life through 2037 and the planned modernization period as context when evaluating capacity and positioning for future B-1 sustainment procurements.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 28, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Air Force (USAF)

### Vendors
- Qarbon Aerospace (awardee)

### Sources
- [Qarbon Aerospace has won a contract to manufacture composite structures for the US Air Force’s B-1B Lancer bomber as the service continues to invest in keeping the aging aircraft in operation

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