The U.S. Air Force has unveiled the first official images of the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider in flight, offering a rare glimpse into the latest addition to the American bomber fleet. These images were released as part of the ongoing flight test campaign at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider, the US’s next-generation stealth bomber, was officially unveiled on December 2, 2022, but photos of the aircraft in flying during testing have not been made public before by the USAF. During testimony at the Senate Armed Services Committee on May 8, 2024, Andrew Hunter, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, confirmed that flight testing is currently on track.
The latest image is taken from the right hand side of the stealth bomber and is probably even better than the previous one in terms of overall light. Moreover, the angle is slightly different too. The air-to-air photograph highlights some peculiarities of the new bomber, including the aircraft’s leading edge and its nose, that appears to be more pronounced than the Hawk beak‘s nose and chine-line of the B-2 Spirit. This image also clearly shows the jet’s cockpit layout with the small side windows and the the forward windscreen, optimized for aerial refueling.
Hunter emphasized the program’s progress and effectiveness, stating, “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 has been conducting ground testing, taxiing and flight operations and is expected to enter active service by 2026.
The B-21 Raider, a developmental penetrating strike bomber, is designed to deliver both conventional and nuclear munitions. With a projected wingspan of approximately 140 feet, it is smaller than the B-2’s 172-foot wingspan. The Air Force aims to acquire at least 100 B-21s to replace its aging fleet of 45 B-1s and 20 B-2s over the next decade.
The newly revealed photos also provide insights into the B-21’s design innovations. Unlike its predecessor, the B-2, which featured a boxy, sugar-scoop exhaust, the B-21 exhibits a narrow, 2-D exhaust embedded in the jet’s tail. This design suggests a focus on dissipating the aircraft’s heat to minimize its infrared signature while maintaining a slim profile to evade radar detection.
Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota will serve as the primary operating base for the B-21, with Whiteman AFB in Missouri and Dyess AFB in Texas also designated to receive the bomber. The Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office manages the acquisition program, focusing on making test aircraft as production representative as possible. Test aircraft are built on the same manufacturing line and use the same manning and tooling that will be used in the eventual production.
Relevant articles:
– US releases new images of B-21 stealth bomber in flight , UK Defence Journal, 05/24/2024
– USAF releases first official images of B, AeroTime, 05/23/2024
– Northrop Grumman Has Just Dropped A New Inflight Photo Of The B-21 Raider, The Aviationist, 05/23/2024
– B-21 Raider: US Air Force Releases 1st Official Image Of Stealth Bomber, The World’s First 6th-Gen Warplane, EurAsian Times, 05/23/2024
– U.S. Air Force Releases High-Altitude Images of B-21 Raider in Flight Testing, Atlas News, 05/23/2024
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