A day earlier, the US Air Force released two new photos of the next-generation B-21 Raider nuclear bomber. Next, Northrop Grumman announced important news.
Here’s what we know
The B-21 Raider has not yet made its first flight. The US Air Force and Northrop Grumman have previously said the strategic bomber will be able to get airborne by the end of 2023. So the aircraft is still more than three months away.
Northrop Grumman has officially announced the start of ground testing of the B-21 Raider engines. Propulsion system testing will take place at the company’s plant in Palmdale, California, where the nuclear bomber was unveiled nearly nine months ago.
In an official press release, Northrop Grumman calls the B-21 Raider the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft. The launch of the ground engine test program is an important step towards first flight.
The US Air Force wants to buy a minimum of 100 B-21 Raider bombers. They will be the replacement for the B-1B Lancer and the B-2 Spirit and will complement the B-52J Stratofortress, which will remain in service until 2050. The first contract for the Raiders could be signed as early as this year.
Source: Northrop Grumman
2023-09-13 22:23:12
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