Stealth Bomber B-21 Raider Progresses Through Flight Tests and Operational Planning.

The B-21 Raider program from Northrop Grumman is progressing as the team continues its flight-testing campaign while transitioning to production. In collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, the management approach of this program focuses on producibility and the integration of digital technologies, aiming to deliver an effective, affordable system adaptable to future threats.
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A B-21 Raider conducts flight testing, which includes ground testing, taxiing, and flying operations, at Edwards Air Force Base, California (Picture source: US DoD)

Flight tests for the B-21 primarily take place at Edwards Air Force Base, where the Combined Test Force (CTF), composed of personnel from Northrop Grumman and the Air Force, evaluates the aircraft's capabilities. These assessments cover various aspects, from flight performance to mission systems and software integration. Initial feedback from test pilots indicates that the flight behavior of the first aircraft aligns with the simulations used for training. Test pilot Chris “Hoss” Moss confirmed that the flying qualities exceed expectations, validating the accuracy of the digital models developed by the team over recent years.

Ongoing flight tests continue to expand the operational envelope, with results aligning with model predictions, demonstrating the effectiveness of the digital ecosystem developed by Northrop Grumman for the B-21.

The B-21 Raider is a dual-capable stealth bomber designed for penetrating strike missions, capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. It will serve as the backbone of the future U.S. Air Force bomber fleet alongside the B-52, operating in high-threat environments. Developed under the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, the B-21 features an open systems architecture to facilitate modernization and adaptability to evolving threats. With a planned inventory of at least 100 aircraft, its average unit procurement cost is estimated at $692 million based on 2022 dollars.

Production contracts for the B-21 were awarded to Northrop Grumman in 2015, and the program has successfully completed critical design reviews and environmental assessments.

The first operational base for the B-21 will be Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, with entry into service expected in the mid-2020s. The B-21 Raider honors the legacy of the Doolittle Raiders, marking a new generation of airpower for the 21st century.

A B-21 Raider conducts flight tests, which include ground testing, taxiing, and flying operations, at Edwards Air Force Base, California, where it continues to make progress toward becoming the backbone of the U.S. Air Force bomber fleet (Picture source: US DoD)

Tom Jones, vice president of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, emphasized the significance of flight testing, noting that significant progress has been made in expanding the B-21's flight envelope.

The CTF team has conducted multiple flight tests within a week, aided by the digital ecosystem that allows for rapid data analysis and efficient updates. Ground tests also play a critical role in the aircraft's development, with successful validation of the B-21's structural design through static testing. Additionally, fatigue testing has commenced on another test cell to simulate flight conditions over the aircraft's lifespan.

A key aspect of the B-21 Raider delivery strategy involves constructing the first test aircraft as a production aircraft, following a model similar to Lockheed Martin's F-35. This approach deviates from standard industrial practices, enabling the B-21 team to familiarize themselves with production tools and materials while adopting innovative methods for optimal construction processes. Northrop Grumman is also integrating augmented reality tools and robotics to enhance efficiency and precision in production.

In summary, the B-21 Raider program continues to advance, incorporating cutting-edge strategies to ensure effective development and production of this promising aircraft.