In early December 2022, Northrop Grumman presented the next generation nuclear bomber B-21 Raider. Nine months later, the US Air Force released two new photographs of the aircraft.
What is known
The B-21 Raider will carry nuclear weapons. The next generation aircraft will be a replacement for the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit strategic bombers. The US Air Force wants to acquire at least 100 of the new generation bombers, which will fly alongside the B-52J Stratofortress.
One of the strengths of the B-21 Raider is its open systems architecture. This feature will provide the ability to quickly integrate modern technologies in accordance with emerging threats.
The B-21 Raider is expected to make its first flight in late 2023. Northrop Grumman currently has several prototypes in various stages of production. The US Air Force wants to avoid the concurrency problem that plagues the fifth-generation fighter, the F-35 Lightning II. This means that purchases of the B-21 will begin only after development is completed.
Source: DVIDS
