The US is accelerating production of its latest sixth-generation strategic bomber, B-21 Raider.
The information was announced by Northrop Grummanthe company responsible for the development and production of the aircraft.
According to the company, the first series-produced aircraft is scheduled to be delivered to Ellsworth Air Force Base i 2027. Northrop Grumman states that the increase in the production rate is taking place in collaboration with U.S. Department of the Air Forcewith the aim of quickly delivering new combat capabilities to US strategic air power.
+ 10 facts that reveal why the B-21 could be the deadliest bomber ever
Ground and flight tests are ongoing
More pre-series copies of B-21 is currently undergoing ground and flight tests. According to Northrop Grumman, the results have shown performance that exceeds expectations based on digital simulations.
Over $5 billion invested in digital engineering
The manufacturer emphasizes that it has invested more than 5 billion dollars i digital engineering and production infrastructure related to the program. According to the company, this investment has enabled:
- a reduction of almost 50% at the time of software certification;
- improved efficiency in production processes;
- closer integration between digital development and production.
Northrop Grumman received the contract for the first time the pre-series party of B-21 towards the end of 2023. It is known that U.S. Air Force planning to acquire minimum 100 units of the Raider, which will replace the bombers B-2 and B-1.
What is the B-21 Raider?
B-21 Raider is a stealth bomber that can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons. The aircraft has been developed to operate in high-risk environmentswith a focus on survivability and ability to penetrate areas protected by advanced air defense systems.
The program is considered one of them three highest priority projects in the US Air Force, along with the combat aircraft F-35A and the multi-role tanker KC-46 Pegasus.
The first pre-series example was presented in 2023
The first B-21 aircraft in pre-series configuration was presented in november 2023. Shortly after, the plane flew from the factory to Edwards Air Force Basewhere flight tests and further evaluations of the new US strategic bomber are underway.
Source and images: Northrop Grumman. This content was created with the help of KI and reviewed by the editors.
