The United States Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, continues to make significant strides in its flight testing phase, setting the stage for its anticipated entry into active service by the mid-2020s. Built by Northrop Grumman and managed by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (AFRCO), the B-21 is poised to become a cornerstone of the U.S. bomber fleet, gradually replacing the aging B-1 and B-2 bombers.
Following its formal unveiling on December 2, 2022, the B-21 embarked on its initial flight tests from Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California. These tests have since moved to Edwards Air Force Base, where the B-21 Combined Test Force rigorously evaluates the aircraft’s performance and capabilities. The Air Force has released limited images of the B-21 during these test flights, including photos taken on January 17 and April 4, 2024, providing a rare glimpse into the closely guarded flight test program.
During a testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on May 8, 2024, Andrew Hunter, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, confirmed that the B-21’s flight testing is progressing according to plan. “We are in the flight test program, the flight test program is proceeding well,” Hunter stated. “It is doing what flight test programs are designed to do, which is helping us learn about the unique characteristics of this platform, but in a very, very effective way.”
The B-21 Raider represents a paradigm shift in aircraft design, being the first aircraft that is “more digital than not,” as Hunter explained. This digital-centric approach incorporates advanced design tools such as digital twins, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and simulation environments, allowing for extensive modeling and testing before physical construction. This strategy has proven instrumental in identifying and rectifying design issues early in the process, contributing to the program’s ability to stay on schedule.
The Air Force’s acquisition strategy for the B-21 emphasizes making test aircraft as representative of the eventual production models as possible. These test aircraft are constructed on the same production lines and with the same personnel and tools that will be used for full-scale production. This approach, which diverges from traditional flight prototype methods, enables a smoother transition to mass production. According to the Air Force, the B-21 is set to enter service in the mid-2020s, with a production goal of at least 100 aircraft.
Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota has been designated as the first main operating base for the B-21, which will also serve as the location for the Formal Training Unit. Whiteman AFB in Missouri and Dyess AFB in Texas are the preferred locations for the remaining bases and will receive aircraft as they become available.
In December 2023, Northrop Grumman was awarded the contract for the Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of the B-21 Raider. Although specific details of the contract were not disclosed, the Air Force had previously estimated an average unit cost of $692 million. Reports suggest that the initial contract may cover up to 21 aircraft, with six airframes currently in various stages of production. The Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. David W. Allvin, has indicated that the service might limit the acquisition to the planned 100 units, as newer technologies could emerge by the time these bombers are built and delivered.
The B-21 Raider is designed with an open systems architecture, enabling the rapid integration of mature technologies and ensuring the aircraft’s effectiveness against evolving threats. This design philosophy ensures that the B-21 will remain a formidable asset in supporting national security objectives and reassuring U.S. allies and partners worldwide. As a long-range, highly survivable, penetrating strike stealth bomber, the B-21 is expected to play a critical role in the U.S. Air Force’s future force structure.
Despite the Air Force’s tight-lipped stance on the specifics of the flight test program, the progress thus far suggests a successful trajectory towards operational readiness. As Hunter summarized in his Senate testimony, “We are working our way through the test objectives that we have for the platform, and I’m encouraged with how that’s progressing.”
Relevant articles:
– B-21 Raider continues flight test, production > Air Force > Article Display , Air Force Link, 05/23/2024
– B-21 Raider continues flight test, production, Edwards Air Force Base, 05/22/2024
– USAF releases first official images of B, AeroTime, 05/23/2024
– U.S. Air Force Releases First Photo Of B-21 Raider Bomber In Flight, The Aviationist, 05/22/2024
– What the Air Force’s New B-21 Photos Show About the Raider, Air & Space Forces Magazine, 05/22/2024
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