Primarily, Vulcan was intended as a high-altitude bomber capable of carrying nuclear bombs, but its role evolved over time. Thus, later served in low-level bombing and as a refueling tanker.

The bomber is possibly carrying the WZ-8 high altitude supersonic reconnaissance drone or the MD-22 reusable hypersonic drone. A low-res photo, possibly taken by a cell phone, has surfaced online ...

After no fewer than four bomber studies, the B-1A bomber first flew in January 1974. High altitude and high speed had won out—the B-1A was capable of Mach 2.22 at a height of fifty thousand feet.