Northrop Grumman completes maiden flight of B-21 Raider stealth strategic bomber.

On November 10, 2023, a momentous event took place in the world of military aviation as the first flight of the B-21 Raider stealth strategic bomber occurred at the Plant 42 airfield of Northrop Grumman in Palmdale, California, as reported by Tyler Rogoway in The War Zone. This milestone was not only a significant achievement in aircraft development but also marked a crucial step forward in the evolution of the United States Air Force's strategic bomber fleet.

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On November 10, 2023, a momentous event took place in the world of military aviation as the first flight of the B-21 Raider stealth strategic bomber occurred at the Plant 42 airfield of Northrop Grumman in Palmdale, California (Picture source: uncredited, via The Drive)

The B-21 Raider, shrouded in secrecy and advanced technology, successfully completed its maiden flight and headed to Edwards Air Force Base in California for rigorous testing by the Air Force Test Center. This aircraft represents a new era in military aviation, combining cutting-edge stealth capabilities with the ability to deliver precision strikes worldwide, making it a formidable asset for the United States and its allies.

The journey to the B-21 Raider's first flight began in the 2000s when the program was initiated as the Next-Generation Bomber (NGB). However, it faced setbacks and was temporarily suspended before being revitalized in 2010 as the Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B). Northrop Grumman won the project through a formal proposal in July 2014, and it was selected by the U.S. Department of Defense on October 27, 2015, with an initial contract worth $21.4 billion, marking the start of a significant endeavor.

The estimated total cost for research, development, and supplies for the B-21 program ranges from $80 billion to $90 billion, highlighting the substantial investment in this next-generation strategic bomber.

Officially designated as a "sixth-generation bomber" in 2016, the B-21 Raider's development took place at Northrop Grumman's Plant 42 facility in Palmdale, California. Six prototypes were planned, with one for ground testing and five for flight testing. The primary flight prototype, T-1, was constructed in 2019 and completed in March 2022, undergoing extensive factory ground tests. The G-1 ground test prototype was also completed in 2022.

The first flight prototype of the B-21 Raider was publicly presented on December 2, 2022, in Palmdale. In preparation, the aircraft had already undergone engine firings and taxi tests in September. On November 10, 2023, the B-21 Raider had its maiden flight.

Looking ahead, deliveries for the first production of B-21 aircraft are anticipated around 2026-2027, with an initial operational capability (IOC) expected by 2030. The U.S. Air Force plans to acquire between 100 to 200 B-21 aircraft, aiming to replace aging strategic bombers like the B-1B and B-2A. Funding allocations are planned to start in fiscal year 2025, with the goal of procuring six to seven B-21 aircraft annually, potentially increasing to 15 per year in the 2030s.

This approach demonstrates the U.S. Air Force's commitment to maintaining a potent fleet of strategic bombers. The B-21 Raider will complement the modernized Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers, creating a versatile force to meet various national security needs.

The cost of each B-21 aircraft has been a subject of interest, with unofficial estimates at around $700-750 million per aircraft as of my last update in January 2022.

Structurally, the B-21 Raider shares similarities with the stealthy subsonic flying wing bomber, the Northrop Grumman B-2A Spirit, albeit slightly smaller with a wingspan of 45 meters. It features a greater wing aspect ratio, deeply recessed engine air intakes, and new-generation radio-absorbing coatings for enhanced stealth capabilities. The B-21 is powered by two new Pratt & Whitney engines based on the F135 engine, used in the F-35 fighter aircraft. It is also designed to carry a maximum payload weight of 13,600 kg, with weapons bays capable of accommodating a larger volume than the B-2A.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the B-21 is its "open architecture" and modular systems, allowing for potential future developments, including the creation of an unmanned version of the aircraft. This adaptability underscores the B-21's role as a cutting-edge platform that can evolve to meet evolving military requirements.