The United States is accelerating production of its newest sixth-generation strategic bomber, the B-21 Raider.
The announcement was made by Northrop Grummanthe company responsible for the development and production of the device.
According to the company, the first series device will be in 2027 are delivered to Ellsworth Air Force Base. Northrop Grumman states that the increased production rate is taking place in collaboration with the U.S. Department of the Air Forcewith the aim of rapidly delivering new combat capabilities to the US strategic air force.
+ 10 facts that reveal why the B-21 may be the deadliest bomber ever
Ground and flight tests in progress
Several are currently undergoing pre-production B-21 aircraft ground and flight tests. According to Northrop Grumman, the results show performance that exceed expectations based on digital simulations.
More than $5 billion invested in digital engineering
The manufacturer emphasizes that there are more than 5 billion dollars has been invested in digitale engineering and production infrastructure within the program. According to the company, this investment has led to:
- a reduction of almost 50% in time for software certification;
- improved efficiency of production processes;
- stronger integration between digital development and production.
Northrop Grumman received end 2023 the contract for the first pre-productionseries of the B-21. It is now known that the U.S. Air Force is planning at least 100 devices of the Raider, which has the B-2– in B-1bombers need to be replaced.
What is the B-21 Raider?
Of B-21 Raider is a stealth bomber that is both conventional and nuclear munitions can transport. The design is developed to operate in high threat environmentsfocusing on survivability and penetrating areas protected by advanced air defense systems.
The program is considered one of the three top priorities of the US Air Force, next to the F-35Afighter and the multi-purpose tanker aircraft KC-46 Pegasus.
First pre-production aircraft unveiled in 2023
The first B-21 aircraft in pre-production configuration was unveiled in november 2023. Shortly afterwards the aircraft flew from the factory to Edwards Air Force Basewhere currently flight testing and further evaluations of the new US strategic bomber take place.
Source and images: Northrop Grumman. This content was created using AI and reviewed by editors.
