The US Air Force has released new photos of its next-generation bomber, the B-21 Raider, with the second aircraft now at the Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The second B-21 Raider bomber has been moved from Northrop Grumman’s factory in Palmdale, California, to Edwards Air Force Base, a key center for research, testing, and experimental aviation for the US Air Force (USAF) and NASA. This move allows for accelerated testing and evaluation of the aircraft, particularly its electronic systems and weaponry.
The B-21 Raider is a stealth bomber designed to replace the aging B-1 and B-2 bombers. It features advanced modular electronics, making it more adaptable to future upgrades. The aircraft’s design is based on the B-2, but with improvements in electronic systems and a reduced size, allowing for potentially lower costs.
The USAF plans to acquire over 100 B-21 bombers, with estimates suggesting a total of 120 to 180 aircraft. The program is currently on schedule and within budget, a rarity for large defense projects. The B-21 is expected to serve as a key component of the USAF for at least the next half-century, with potential upgrades and improvements over time.
The development of the B-21 places the US at the forefront of stealth bomber technology, with China being a potential competitor. China’s H-20 bomber project is reportedly underway, with expectations for its introduction in the coming decade. In contrast, Russia’s PAK-DA bomber program appears to be lagging.
