Newly released images reveal the first publicly acknowledged flight test of America’s top-secret, $745 million stealth nuclear bomber, the B-21 Raider.
Initially unveiled in December 2022, the US government has maintained a level of secrecy around this advanced radar-evading aircraft.
The sleek bomber, shown flying during its flight testing phase, marks a significant milestone before manufacturing a minimum of 100 units.
Capabilities and Development
The B-21 Raider is a dual-capable bomber, capable of deploying both conventional and nuclear ordnance.
This month, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Andrew Hunter, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, confirmed that the flight testing is proceeding as planned.
He emphasized the importance of these tests in understanding the unique characteristics of the aircraft, highlighting the B-21’s predominantly digital design as a key factor in meeting program requirements.
Future Role and Production
Designed as a long-range, highly survivable, penetrating strike stealth bomber, the B-21 will eventually replace the B-1 and B-2 bombers.
It is expected to play a crucial role in supporting national security objectives and assisting US allies globally.
Manufactured by Northrop Grumman under a contract with the Air Force, the B-21 is designed with an open systems architecture, allowing for the rapid integration of mature technologies.
The aircraft is slated to enter service in the mid-2020s, with an initial production goal of at least 100 units.
Historical Context and Testing
The B-21 Raider is the first new nuclear-capable bomber introduced since the end of the Cold War.
Although recent test flights were described as the aircraft’s first, it was previously spotted during a test flight in California late last year.
Aviation photographer Matt Hartman captured video footage of the B-21 in action at Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale facility in November 2023.
Technical Specifications and Costs
Six test aircraft are currently being produced by Northrop Grumman, each with an estimated cost of $750 million.
The B-21 Raider boasts impressive features, including near invisibility to enemy stealth radars and the latest in military technology.
Weighing around 30,000 pounds, with a wingspan of 172 feet, the bomber can reach maximum speeds of 621 miles per hour.
Strategic Importance
At the November unveiling event, Air Force Global Strike Commander Thomas A. Bussier described the B-21 as the “future backbone of the bomber fleet.”
The US Air Force aims to acquire at least 220 of these bombers to replace the aging B-1 and B-2 fleets. The program is projected to cost at least $203 billion over 30 years for development, procurement, and maintenance.
Modernizing the Nuclear Triad
The B-21 Raider is a critical component of the Pentagon’s strategy to modernize all three legs of its nuclear triad.
This modernization effort also includes silo-launched nuclear ballistic missiles and submarine-launched warheads.
This shift focuses on addressing China’s rapid military advancements, moving away from the counterterrorism campaigns that have dominated recent decades.