B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Flight Testing Underway

The U.S. Air Force has released new video footage showcasing the B-21 Raider stealth bomber during its flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The B-21, developed by Northrop Grumman, is undergoing extensive testing, with the ability to conduct up to two flights per week, aiming to normalize its operations as a 'daily flyer'. The Air Force plans to acquire at least 100 B-21s, with bases at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota, Whiteman AFB in Missouri, and Dyess AFB in Texas designated for operational deployment. The B-21 is designed to replace existing bombers and enhance the Air Force's long-range strike capabilities amidst evolving threats. General Thomas Bussiere emphasized the importance of digital engineering in achieving production milestones, while Northrop's Tom Jones highlighted the lessons learned from the B-2 Spirit in making the B-21 easier to maintain. The first operational B-21s are expected to arrive by the mid-2020s.