The Air Force on Friday unveiled its newest stealth bomber aircraft, the B-21 Raider, in Palmdale, California. Built by Northrop Grumman, the B-21 Raider is the first new American bomber aircraft in more than 30 years.
The B-21 will form the backbone of the future Air Force bomber force consisting of B-21s and B-52s.
“The B-21 Raider is the first strategic bomber in more than three decades,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin said during the ceremony. “It is a testament to America’s enduring advantages in ingenuity and innovation. And it’s proof of the Department’s long-term commitment to building advanced capabilities that will fortify America’s ability to deter aggression, today and into the future.”
The B-21 is capable of networking across the battlespace to multiple systems, and into all domains. Supported by a digital ecosystem throughout its lifecycle, the B-21 can quickly evolve through rapid technology upgrades that provide new capabilities to outpace future threats.
“With the B-21, the U.S. Air Force will be able to deter or defeat threats anywhere in the world,” said Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president, of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “The B-21 exemplifies how Northrop Grumman is leading the industry in digital transformation and digital engineering, ultimately delivering more value to our customers.”
The specific B-21 unveiled on December 2 is one of six under production. U.S. Air Force officials envision an ultimate fleet of at least 100 aircraft with an average procurement unit cost requirement of $692 million (base year 2022).
The B-21 Raider is a dual-capable penetrating strike stealth bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. The B-21 has been designed to play a critical role in ensuring America’s enduring airpower capability.
B-21 is a long-range, highly survivable stealth bomber capable of delivering a mix of conventional and nuclear munitions. It is nuclear-capable and designed to accommodate manned or unmanned operations.
It features intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, electronic attack, communication, and other capabilities.
Characteristics
Primary Function: Nuclear-capable, penetrating strike stealth bomber
Lead Command: Air Force Global Strike Command
Inventory: Minimum of 100 aircraft
Average Unit Procurement Cost (APUC): $692 million (base year 2022)
Munitions: Nuclear and conventional