US to unveil its B-21 Raider stealth strategic bomber in December 2022

News, US September 26, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Air Force and defense firm Northrop Grumman are set to unveil the B-21 Raider stealth strategic bomber during the first week of December at the company’s Palmdale, California facility.

The B-21 Raider is a high-tech stealth bomber that will replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bomber fleet. The B-21 is a long-range, highly survivable bomber, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons. The unveiling of the aircraft in December 2022 will be a historic moment for the United States.

Corporate vice president and president at Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, Tom Jones said, “Northrop Grumman is proud of our partnership with the U.S. Air Force as we deliver the B-21 Raider, a sixth-generation aircraft optimized for operations in highly contested environments.”

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems sector vice president and general manager Doug Young stated that “The B-21 is the most advanced military aircraft ever built and is a product of pioneering innovation and technological excellence. The Raider showcases the dedication and skills of the thousands of people working every day to deliver this aircraft.”

At present, six B-21 bombers are in various stages of final assembly in the Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale facility in California. In May 2022, the U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman confirmed that the B-21 first flight is projected for 2023. “The actual timing of the first flight will be based on ground test outcomes,” the Northrop Grumman release read.

Since the contract award in 2015, Northrop Grumman has assembled a team to design, test, and build the most advanced stealth strike aircraft. The next steps are to conduct engine runs, low-speed and high-speed taxi tests, and then the first flight test.

“The B-21 is a product of Northrop Grumman’s pioneering digital engineering practices and advanced manufacturing techniques together with breakthrough stealth technology,” the company’s statement highlighted.

*^{Artist rendering of Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Stealth Bomber. (Image Credit: US Air Force/Northrop Grumman)}*

The B-21 Raider bomber development program is led by the U.S. Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office According to the company’s statement, the U.S. Air Force plans to include at least 100 B-21 Raider bombers into its arsenal.

In 2015, defense firm Northrop Grumman was awarded the B-21 Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract by the U.S. Air Force. The company is working in collaboration with Pratt & Whitney, GKN Aerospace, Janicki Industries, BAE Systems, Collins Aerospace, and Spirit Aerosystems on the B-21 program.

In 2018, the Air Force conducted a comprehensive weapon systems test, design maturity, stability, and risk evaluation. In 2021, the U.S. Air Force selected the Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota as the main operating base and location of the Formal Training Unit for the B-21 bomber.