The much awaited high-tech stealth bomber "B-21 Raider" unveiling will be a historic moment , providing an exclusive view of the aircraft .
“The B-21 is the most advanced military aircraft ever built and is a product of pioneering innovation and technological excellence,” said Doug Young, sector vice president and general manager, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “The Raider showcases the dedication and skills of the thousands of people working every day to deliver this aircraft.”
The B-21 Raider is a new high-tech stealth bomber being developed to replace the Air Force’s aging bomber fleet. The U.S. Air Force has stated plans to acquire at least 100 aircraft. Some defense analysts believe that the Air Force should plan to purchase at least 200 B-21s.
Designed to be long-range, highly survivable and capable of carrying a mix of conventional and nuclear ordnance, the B-21 will join the nuclear triad as a visible and flexible nuclear deterrent; supporting national security objectives and assuring our nation’s allies and partners.
At the 2016 Air Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference, then-Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James announced the B-21 would be named “Raider” alongside Lt. Col. Dick Cole, the last surviving airman from the famous Doolittle Raid.
According to the Air Force, “the Doolittle Raiders are known for their surprise attack against Japan during World War II on April 18, 1942, which forced the Japanese to recall combat forces for home defense and boosted morale among Americans and U.S. allies abroad. James and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein selected the name from more than 2,000 naming submissions.”
Since contract award in 2015, Northrop Grumman has assembled a nationwide team to design, test and build the world’s most advanced strike aircraft. The B-21 is a product of Northrop Grumman’s pioneering digital engineering practices and advanced manufacturing techniques together with breakthrough stealth technology.
“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,” said Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems.
As adversaries continue to invest in and develop advanced weapons, the B-21 Raider will provide the United States with a strategic asset capable of penetrating enemy air defenses and reaching targets anywhere in the world — something approximately 90 percent of the nation’s current bomber fleet is incapable of doing.
Six B-21 test aircraft are in various stages of final assembly in Palmdale, California. Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force confirmed in May that the B-21 first flight is projected for 2023. The actual timing of first flight will be based on ground test outcomes.
Currently only 10 percent of our nation’s bomber force is capable of penetrating advanced adversary air defenses. As our adversaries have continued investing heavily in sophisticated technologies and weapons platforms that leave them free to act maliciously or extend their reach, a new bomber is critical to deterring potential adversaries, reassuring allies and keeping our nation safe.
In a War College podcast, combat strategist and retired Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula said,
“The B-21 will provide the kind of payload, range and penetrability that our current force of B-1s, B-52s and, to a small degree, B-2s, cannot accomplish.”
The unveiling will take place at Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale site, during an invitation-only event.
The U.S. Air Force identified Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB), South Dakota; Dyess AFB, Texas; and Whiteman AFB, Missouri as potential hosts for the B-21 Raider.
Ellsworth AFB has been selected as the preferred basing location for the first B-21 main operating base and formal training unit, and Dyess AFB as the alternate. A final decision is expected in 2021 following compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other regulatory and planning processes.
Due to the program’s classified nature, the U.S. Air Force has not publicly shared a production schedule. The Air Force has stated that the initial test aircraft is currently in production at Northrop Grumman’s manufacturing facility in Palmdale, Calif. The Air Force has stated it expects first aircraft deliveries in mid-2020s.
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