Additional Coverage:
- New pictures of the US Air Force’s newest stealth bomber — the B-21 Raider — just dropped as flight testing continues (newsbreak.com)
The United States Air Force recently shared new photographs of its latest stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, showcasing its progression through various stages of testing. These tests, taking place at Edwards Air Force Base in California, include a series of ground, taxiing, and flight operations.
This announcement comes from the Air Force’s 412th Test Wing and highlights the B-21 Raider as an integral addition to the U.S.’s future bomber fleet. Senior Pentagon officials have highlighted the aircraft’s significance, remarking it will serve as a central component of the nation’s aerial attack capabilities.
New images of the bomber, taken during its testing phases in January and April, were made public on Wednesday, revealing the aircraft’s sleek design as it advances towards official deployment later in the decade. Andrew Hunter, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, confirmed earlier in the month that the B-21’s flight testing schedule is on track, emphasizing the effectiveness of these tests in understanding the bomber’s unique attributes.
The B-21 Raider marks the U.S. military’s first strategic bomber development in over three decades, with its development commencing in 2015. The public got its first glance at the Raider in December 2022, and by November 2023, it successfully completed its inaugural flight, leading to the commencement of its low-rate initial production phase.
The acquisition program for the B-21 is managed by the U.S. Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, which has adopted a novel approach to constructing test bombers.
These aircraft are built to be as close to the final production models as possible, utilizing the same manufacturing processes and systems. This tactic allows for a smoother transition from testing to full-scale production.
Expected to be operational in the latter part of this decade, the Air Force aims to produce at least 100 B-21 Raiders. This new fleet is intended to gradually replace the older B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers. Pentagon officials, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, have lauded the B-21’s advanced stealth features, suggesting it will be challenging for adversaries to detect.
Manufactured by Northrop Grumman, the B-21 Raider is heralded as the first “sixth-generation” aircraft in the world, capable of performing both conventional and nuclear missions thanks to its ability to carry a variety of munitions.