Summary

  • B-21 Raider progressing well with flight testing at Edwards AFB, set to enter service in 2027.
  • Stealth bomber designed with highly digital approach for seamless integration of new technologies.
  • Maiden flight completed in November 2022, gradually replacing B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bomber fleet.

The B-21 Raider—which completed its maiden flight in November—is progressing with flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base and is reportedly on track to meet its test and entry-to-service timelines. The United States Air Force (USAF) has released new official images of the next-generation stealth bomber, which is due to enter service in 2027.

B-21 Raider commences flight testing

Aviation fans got another peek at the long-range stealth aircraft with a new official photo release this week. Notably, we have the first photograph of the B-21 Raider midflight after it was snapped in the air during testing over Edwards AFB. The USAF has remained pretty tight-lipped about the stealth bomber’s progress and has not released any further details on the flight testing other than stating it is going well.

b-21 raider taking off

Photo: USAF

At a Senate Armed Services Committee held earlier this month, Andrew Hunter, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, said,

“We are in the flight test program, the flight test program is proceeding well. 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.”

According to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, the photograph of the plane taking off was snapped in January, while the ones in mid-flight and in the hangar were taken in April.

b-21 raider hangar

Photo: USAF

As per the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office’s (AFRCO) strategy, test aircraft are being manufactured as closely to final production specifications as possible. The Air Force previously stated they would be converted for operational use when testing is completed. With a production goal of a minimum of 100 bombers, this will also allow full production to accelerate quickly once it gets the green light, with the program currently granted Low-Rate Initial Production status.

A digital beast

Hunter said that the B-21 Raider is the first plane in the USAF fleet that is “more digital than not” – the bomber is designed with an open system architecture, allowing for seamless integration of new technologies as the Air Force adapts to changing threats.

Related

5 Fast Facts About The USAF’s Next-Gen B-21 Raider Strike Stealth Bomber

The performance and mission capabilities of the B-21 Raider are yet to be revealed.

The design process relied extensively on digital tools, such as digital twins and simulations, which, according to Northrop Grumman, significantly accelerated the early design phase by quickly identifying flaws.

Timelines on track

Following development beginning in 2015, the B-21 Raider was formally announced in December 2022 and embarked on its maiden flight the following November. The stealth bomber will gradually replace the USAF’s B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bomber fleet – when it enters service, the B-21 will initially be stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, which is also where training will be based. The Air Force plans to expand its deployment as more roll off the production line, with two of its preferred options said to be Whiteman Air Force Base and Dyess Air Force Base.

A Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider parked in a hangar in front of an American Flag.

Photo: USAF

What do you think of the B-21 Raider? Let us know in the comments.

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