Defense News: US Begins Production of B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber

 

US Begins Production of B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber

This advanced aircraft represents a significant leap in technology and capability over its predecessors, specially designed to cope with the evolving threats of the 21st century

By Dan Arkin, Israel Defense, 24/01/24

https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/61030

                                   B21 Raider - Photo credit: Northrop Grumman

The U.S. Air Force has approved the commencement of low-rate initial production for the new B-21 Raider, a new stealth bomber. This advanced bomber was developed for the United States Air Force by Northrop Grumman. The contract for the development of the aircraft was awarded in 2014.

The Pentagon last fall approved the B-21 Raider to move into low rate production after successful ground and flight tests. (U.S. Air Force)

This advanced aircraft represents a significant leap in technology and capability over its predecessors. It was specially designed to cope with the evolving threats of the 21st century.

The B-21 is part of the Long-Range Strike-Bomber program, which aims to supplement and eventually replace the aging fleet of current bombers in the U.S. Air Force, including the B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, and B-52 Stratofortress. What distinguishes the B-21 is its emphasis on stealth technology, enabling it to penetrate enemy air defenses.

The B-21 Raider was unveiled to the public at a ceremony December 2, 2022 in Palmdale, Calif. Designed to operate in tomorrow's high-end threat environment, the B-21 will play a critical role in ensuring America's enduring airpower capability. (U.S. Air Force photo)

The bomber is designed to have high adaptability and connectivity, with advanced avionics, software, and communication systems that allow it to seamlessly integrate with other elements of the U.S. Air and Space Force.

The decision to commence production was made a few days after the bomber successfully completed its second test flight. A joint team from Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force conducted the first two test flights at Edwards Air Force Base in California – Air Force Plant 42, where the company produced the bomber, initially under conditions of secrecy.

The Air Force's first B-21 Raider is shown at Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif., where Northrop Grumman is building the service's new stealth bomber fleet. (U.S. Air Force)

On January 17th, the second test flight took place, after which the US Deputy Secretary of Defense announced that based on the results of ground and flight testing, there was approval to begin slow production of the B-21.

Northrop Grumman is producing six initial prototypes of the bomber, with one of them being the one that conducted the initial test flights.

The Air Force has stated that the plan is to acquire 100 bombers of this type, which will serve as a strategic asset for the United States, with the capability for deep penetration into the enemy's defense systems in threat-laden environments and the ability to strike targets anywhere in the world. The assessment is that these aircraft will remain operational for several decades.

The Air Force rolled out this first test B-21, which is a production-representative aircraft almost identical to the final model, in a December 2022 ceremony in Palmdale, Calif. (U.S. Air Force)

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