New B-21 Raider 'flying wing' bomber makes maiden flight

Robert Besser
16 Nov 2023, 10:09 GMT+10

The U.S. Air Force's B-21 "Raider" bomber made its maiden flight at the Air Force's Plant 42 in Palmdale, California
Built by Northrop Grumman and developed under strict security, the wing-shaped stealth bomber has a long operating range and is nuclear-capable
Carrying the same "flying wing" shape of its predecessor, the B-2, the B-21 can deliver both conventional and nuclear weapons around the world using long-range and mid-air refueling capabilities

PALMDALE, California: Reuters reported that this week, the U.S. Air Force's B-21 "Raider" bomber made its maiden flight at the Air Force's Plant 42 in Palmdale, California.

Built by Northrop Grumman and developed under strict security, the wing-shaped stealth bomber has a long operating range and is nuclear-capable.

Carrying the same "flying wing" shape of its predecessor, the B-2, the B-21 can deliver both conventional and nuclear weapons around the world using long-range and mid-air refueling capabilities.

It is projected to cost some US$550 million each at 2010 prices, or around $750 million today when adjusted for inflation. The U.S. Air Force plans to buy at least 100 of the new planes.

Ann Stefanek, US Air Force spokesperson said, "The B-21 Raider is in flight testing. Flight testing is a critical step in the test campaign managed by the Air Force Test Center and 412th Test Wings B-21 Combined Test Force."

Beating a team comprising Boeing and Lockheed Martin, Northrop won the contract to make the bomber in 2015. Engine-maker Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, GKN Aerospace, BAE Systems, and Spirit Aerosystems are among the more than 400 suppliers in 40 states.

The B-21 was publicly unveiled in December 2022, and Northrop is calling the plane a sixth- generation aircraft, as it can connect to other aircraft and integrate future weapons into its systems.

It is also made of a more durable, stealth-enabling, low-observable surface material, requiring less maintenance and decreasing operational costs.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Las Vegas Herald.

More Information