The B21 Raider: A New Stealth Bomber for the U.S. Air Force
The U.S. Air Force has revealed new photos of its next-generation stealth bomber, the B21 Raider, which is expected to make its first flight by the end of 2023. The bomber is being developed by Northrop Grumman, the same company that built the B-2 Spirit, and will replace the aging B-1 and B-2 fleets. The B21 Raider will have advanced capabilities such as long range, penetrating strike, survivability, and adaptability to various missions and threats.
A Closer Look at the B21 Raider
The new photos of the B21 Raider were released on September 12, 2023, during the keynote speech of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. at the 2023 Air, Space & Cyber Conference. The photos show the bomber getting ready for the next phases of testing, with engine runs in progress at Northrop Grumman’s facilities at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California .
The photos also offer a glimpse of the flight control surfaces and other details of the bomber’s design, which appears to be very similar to its B-2 predecessor. The three-quarter view shows a lateral profile with a flying wing design and no visible tail or vertical stabilizers . The bomber also has ED markings on the main landing gear doors, indicating that it will be tested at Edwards Air Force Base.
The Air Force intends the B21 Raider to be a significant new weapon in its arsenal to deter aggression and protect the U.S. and its allies and partners. The bomber will have significant range and advanced stealth capabilities that will allow it to slip undetected into enemy territory to carry out penetrating strike missions. The bomber will also be adaptable to various payloads and configurations, depending on the mission requirements.
A Rapid Acquisition Approach
The B21 Raider is being developed under a rapid acquisition approach that leverages digital engineering and open systems architecture to reduce cost and risk. The Air Force plans to buy at least 100 B21 Raiders, with an estimated unit cost of $639 million in 2023 dollars. The bomber is expected to reach initial operational capability in the mid-2020s and full operational capability in the late 2020s.
The rapid acquisition approach allows the Air Force to incorporate new technologies and capabilities into the bomber as they become available, without compromising its schedule or budget. The open systems architecture also enables the Air Force to integrate the bomber with other platforms and systems, such as satellites, sensors, and networks.
The B21 Raider is a key component of the Air Force’s modernization efforts and its vision for future warfare. The bomber will provide a strategic advantage over potential adversaries and enhance the U.S.’s global leadership and security. The B21 Raider is not just a new aircraft, but a new way of thinking about airpower.
