The public has previously captured snapshots of the B-21 Raider nuclear bomber in flight near Edwards Air Force Base in California, but these were unauthorized. Now, the United States Air Force has officially released the first images of the aircraft in the air.
Despite boasting a wingspan of 132 ft (40 m) and an empty weight of 70,000 lb (31,751 kg), the U.S. Air Force is maintaining strict secrecy around the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider. Scheduled to join the U.S. nuclear deterrent force by the 2050s, the aircraft transitioned from ground tests to flight tests around November 2023, a fact initially concealed until video footage surfaced on X (formerly Twitter).
The Air Force has now unveiled three new images of the B-21, including two shots of the aircraft in flight. Captured by the B-21 Combined Test Force during a recent test, the images provide a closer look at the bomber in its hangar, during landing with wheels down, and in full flight.
While not a comprehensive technical briefing, the images offer new insights, showcasing the aircraft’s sleek nose, stealthy flying wing-fuselage, and radar-deflecting design of the undercarriage covers. Additionally, a red-painted pitot tube, not part of the operational equipment, is visible and serves to gather flight data during testing.
The B-21 Raider is a next-generation bomber designed to replace the B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers, enhancing the airborne nuclear triad. With its stealth design and high speed, it can effectively penetrate enemy airspace to deliver both nuclear and conventional payloads. Anticipated to be in service by the mid-2020s, the production goal is set at a minimum of 100 aircraft.
“We are in the flight test program; the flight test program is proceeding well,” said Air Force Service Acquisition Executive Andrew Hunter in a Senate testimony. “It is doing what flight test programs are designed to do, which is helping us learn about the unique characteristics of this platform, but in a very, very effective way.”
