Video shows the first flight of the new B-21 Raider stealth bomber
A video published on Twitter shows what would be the first flight of the sixth-generation B-21 Raider stealth bomber
The B-21 is the next evolution of the US Air Force’s strategic bomber fleet and the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft to take to the skies.
When it comes to delivering America’s resolve, the Raider will provide the Air Force with long range, high survivability and mission payload flexibility. The B-21 will penetrate the toughest defenses for precision strikes anywhere in the world. Here’s what you need to know about Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider as it continues flight testing.
The B-21 Raider is setting standards for sixth-generation technology. On the outside, state-of-the-art stealth and advances in low observable processes will make the aircraft easier and less expensive to maintain than previous systems. Inside, the B-21’s open architecture will allow for rapid upgrading, from adding new weapons to software updates, thanks to advanced networking capabilities and the successful migration of the cloud environment. With these innovations, the B-21 is designed to face evolving threats for decades to come.
The B-21 Raider is key to supporting the US strategic deterrence strategy. In addition to its advanced long-range precision strike capabilities that will give Combatant Commanders the ability to hold any target, anywhere in the world, at risk, it is designed as the core component of a larger family of systems that will provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic attack and multi-domain network capabilities. In a dynamic global security environment, the B-21 will provide the flexibility and deterrence critical to the security of the US and our allies.
The B-21 Raider is named in honor of the Doolittle Raid of World War II, when 80 airmen, led by Lieutenant Colonel James “Jimmy” Doolittle, and 16 B-25 Mitchell medium bombers set out on a mission that changed the course of the war.
The raid was a catalyst for a multitude of future advances in US air superiority and serves as the inspiration behind the Raider name and the pioneering, innovative spirit instilled throughout the workforce bringing the B-21 to life.
Source: Northrop Grumman *** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***