The U.S. Air Force’s B-21 Raider program is gaining momentum, with significant progress reported during the Air and Space Force Association’s recent conference. Air Force leaders and industry partners provided key updates on the development of this advanced stealth bomber.
Photo: USAF
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems President Thomas Jones reported a marked increase in flight test frequency. “We’re really starting to strike up quite a cadence [and] generate two flight test flights in a given week,” Jones stated. This acceleration aligns with the program’s goal of creating a “daily flyer,” demonstrating the B-21’s development progress and the team’s commitment to rigorous testing.
A crucial milestone was achieved with the completion of static testing on the G-1 asset, a ground-based test article. William Bailey, Director of the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, emphasized the importance of this test in “confirming the structural design of the aircraft is sound and validated confidence in the digital models.” The program has now progressed to fatigue testing.
Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, Commander of Eighth Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center, outlined preparations for the B-21’s delivery to Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. Focus is on ensuring Air Force Global Strike Command squadrons are equipped, trained, and certified for aircraft delivery.
Gen. Thomas Bussiere, Air Force Global Strike Command Commander, underscored the B-21’s critical role in addressing current and future strategic threats. “We are the free world’s only bomber force,” Bussiere stated, predicting increased demand for bomber task forces from regional combatant commands.
The B-21’s advanced capabilities were highlighted as a key strategic asset. “Nobody on the planet can do what we’re doing right now,” Bussiere asserted, emphasizing the aircraft’s unique ability to “hold at risk what we can hold at risk at a time and place of our choosing.”
Bailey stressed the B-21’s design flexibility, noting that “Agility and flexibility — they can’t just be buzzwords.” This adaptability is crucial for responding to evolving threats and operational requirements.
The Air Force aims to produce a minimum of 100 B-21 aircraft. Ellsworth AFB will serve as the first main operating base and formal training unit location. Whiteman AFB, Missouri, and Dyess AFB, Texas, have been announced as the second and third basing locations, respectively.
For more information, hit the Source below